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HISTORY 



NINTH MASS. BATTERY. 

Recruited July, 1862; Mustered ix Aug. 10, 1862; 

Mustered out Jink 9, 1865, at the 

Close of the Rebellion. 



By LEVI W. BAKER, 

MARLBORO, MASS. 



Lafecnictu Press: 

J. C. Clark Priming Co., South Framingham, Mass. 

iSSS. 









ET5\3 



tt 



Uni v- of Mich. 

APR 1 G 1940 



CONTENTS. 



Introduction, 








5 


Outlook, Summer, 1862, 






7 


Lynnfield, ..... 






9 


Towns Represented, 








1 1 


Organization, 








12-16 


Readville, . 








• r 7 


Washington, 








21 


Camp Chace, 








24 


Camp Barry, 








26 


Hall's Hill, 








• 34 


Fort Ramsey, 








• 37 


Appointment of Capt 


Bigelow, 






44 


Centerville, 








• 5° 


March to Gettysburg 








• 53 


Gettysburg, 

Maj. McGilvery's Rei 


5 ORT, 






56-85, 194-203 
. 72 


Hospital Reminiscences, . 






S5-90 


Mine Run, ..... 






91 


Camp, Brandy Station, 






93-106 


Ely's Ford, .... 






107 


Wilderness and Spottsylvania, 






108-111 


North Anna, .... 






112 


Bethesda Church, 






• 115 


Tolopotomy Creek, 








. 116 



IV 



CONTENTS. 



Cool Arbor or Cold Harbor, 

Charles City Court House, 

Petersburg, 

Gen. Chamberlain's Charge. 

Fort Davis, 

Weldon Railroad, 

Fort Duchesne, 

Hatcher's Run, October, 

Island Camp, 

Nottoway River and Sussex Court House, 

Winter Quarters, 1864 and 1865, 

Fort Rice, ..... 

Maj. Bigelow's Farewell, 

Hatcher's Run, February, 1865, 

Ninth Corps, 

Assault on Petersburg, 

Nottoway Court House, 

Gen. Lee's Surrender, 

Artillery Reserve, City Point, 

March to Alexandria, 

Break Camp for Home, 

Galloup's Island, 

Death Roll, 

Monuments, 

Lieuts. Erickson and Whitaker and Sergt. Dodg 

Adjutant General's Report, 

Roster of Battery, . 

Eighteenth Annual Reunion, February, 1888, 



e, 



117 
119 
120 
52-130 
I 3 I 
I37-M3 
J 43 
147 
148 

l S3 

156 

J 57 

iS9 

161 

166 
167 
169 

171 

J 73 
174 
179 
182 
194 
210 
L8-229 
232 
244 

2 53 



INTRODUCTION- 



Comrades: 

It is twenty-one years since we last stood in line together 
and were mustered out of the United States service. The 
thirty-four months that we had been together are indel- 
ibly recorded in our memories. Some of the battles are 
written in blood. The marches, that sometimes left us so 
weary that the bivouac blotted out all worth remembering; 
the months of dull camp life, in winter quarters; the weeks 
under shelter tents, facing the enemy, the hours of which 
were struck by the booming of cannon and the bursting of 
shell, and the minutes marked by the crack of rifles and zip 
of minies, too close to be pleasant ; — all these are becoming 
more and more indistinct to us ; but to some of us the 
twinges from wounds, rheumatism, fever and ague, or dis- 
eases that have become chronic, daily remind us that we 
were there. 

Because our memories are becoming more indistinct, I 
have been induced to record some of the events prominent 
in our history, that, when we all are no more, our children 



VI INTRODUCTION. - 

may read and realize something of what their fathers did that 
the Union might be preserved. 

But few of the histories written are from the rank and file 
of the army, but we hope that this will be received as a fair 
account of the events as they occurred, and of the inner life 
of the rank and file of the 9th Massachusetts Battery. 

I am indebted to Maj. Bigelow, Capt. Milton, and W. B. 
Pearce, for the use of the private papers of the Battery ; also 
to many letters from Maj. Bigelow, W. B. Pearce, J. K. Nor- 
wood, J. B. Stowe, J. H. Manning, Geo. Mader, and others ; 
also to a file of letters in my possession, covering all the 
time of the service of the Battery, except from July 4, 1863, 
to December 12, 1863. The chronology of this history is all 
from letters and papers written at the time, and must be 
correct. 

I am also under great obligation to our battery artists, 
C. W. Reed, Richard Holland, and I. F. Eaton, who have so 
finely illustrated this work. These illustrations have been 
selected from a large number of original sketches in the 
hands of these artists. 

L. W. BAKER, 

Marlboro, Mass. 
October i, 1887. 



HISTORY. 



The spring and summer of '62 was a disheartening season 
for the Union ; hopes had been blighted, and promised ad- 
vances had resulted in retreats. A few cavalry expeditions 
had been successful, but did not secure any lasting results. 

All through the spring, Government had been promised 
advances by the commander of the Army of the Potomac, 
and it was continually advancing — farther and farther from 
its goal, Richmond. Finally, in the extremity, Gen. Hallock 
was called from the armies of the West, and placed in com- 
mand of the armies of the East; and Gen. Pope, fresh from 
won battlefields in the West, was appointed to the command 
of the Army of Virginia, small and scattered ; and even he, 
" used to seeing the backs of the enemy turned towards him 
by his blows," was forced to retire before the whole force of 
the Southern army, that again threatened Washington. 

During this series of disasters, the Government called for 
300,000 volunteers, and now we were beginning to realize 
that enlisting meant hard marches, privation, hunger, fight- 
ing, and death to many. Veterans were called from the front 



5 HISTORY OF THE 

to organize regiments and batteries, and men of experience 
were sought for to take command of organizations to be 
formed. 

About the middle of July, Capt. Achille De Vecchi, an 
Italian, on leave from the Italian army, came to Boston. He 
had been serving on the staff of Gen. Lane, in Missouri, but, 
wishing a more active life, asked for a command. He was 
sent to Gov. Andrew with letters commendatory (Gen. Lane 
being an intimate friend of Gov. A.). He was received and 
offered the command of the 33d Regiment, then forming as a 
regiment of sharpshooters. As they were armed with 
Springfield rifles, the same as other infantry, he declined, 
and chose to organize a battery of light artillery, which, 
under his instruction and leadership, was to be a model bat- 
tery. He was joined by Christopher Erickson of Cambridge, 
a Swede by birth, Alexander H. Whitaker of Boston, Geo. 
W. Foster of Charlestown, Richard S. Milton of West 
Roxbury, who were commissioned lieutenants, and many 
others, who were promised warrants or places of prefer- 
ment. 

Capt. De Vecchi was a fine looking, portly man, could talk 
well in broken English about artillery, had a soft hand to pat 
the boys on the back, and his "gude bohys " were very fas- 
cinating. C. Erickson had seen some artillery drill in a Bos- 
ton battery. A. H. Whitaker was a good French scholar, 
and could readily talk with Capt. De Vecchi and understand 
him, and was his mouthpiece when his English failed him, as 
it did sometimes. Many were led to enlist by the knowledge 
of artillery displayed by him. A short time before the close 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 9 

of enlistments, two men joined who had seen service in two 
Massachusetts batteries. One, in giving an account of his 
enlistment, said : " I thought I knew something of artillery 
drill, but after hearing Capt. De Vecchi talk I thought by 
joining I could learn all that the most accomplished artillery 
officer need to know." 

The first to enlist were George Murray, F. Ouaranti, and 

Adolph Lipman, who enlisted July 17 ; D. P. Doyle, 

U ^ Q. A. Merritt, M. Lastreco, Chas. A. Hall, the 18th ; 

G. B. Morse, Geo. W. Carter, I. F. Eaton, Vincent Regalli, 

r , n , John Cortipas, the 19th; and July 31 saw about 

July 31. . 

ninety men in camp 

AT LYNNFIELD, MASS., 

with no organization but a cookhouse, and no weapons 
but a tin plate, quart dipper, sheet iron spoon, knife and 
fork. 

Our camp consisted of four Sibley tents, near the 33d Reg- 
iment. Our cookhouse was presided over by a Frenchman, 
and one of the first dinners I remember was a chowder, burnt 
so much we could not eat it. The name, "burnt chowder" 
clung to him as long as he remained in the Battery. He 
was wounded at Gettysburg. 

The 2d of August, we got our Battery tents, 
All / 

known as A tents, and pitched them at the south- 
west corner of the field. The 4th of August, the first guard 
was detailed. The writer has the original guard list, which is 
as follows : L. W. Baker, acting sergeant of the guard ; first 



IO HISTORY OF THE 

relief, C. A. Hall, A. Clement, A. Lipman, G. B. Morse, C. F. 
Loring, V. Regalli, M. Lastreco, D. P. Doyle ; second relief, 
O. A. Merritt, G. W. Carter, J. Gazzle, I. F. Eaton, L. Pinti, 
F. C. Tucker, J. Crossan, J. J. Barry; third relief, A. Murphy, 
J. McCarty, J. V. Huntress, H. Packard, D. Brett, C. L. 
Sawin, M. Hatch, E. Currell. Who the acting corporals 
were, I cannot tell. 

About 5 P. M., the Captain arrived in camp for the first 
time, and was received by the guard being turned out and 
saluting him, which was the first military maneuver in our 
camp. The same evening, at roll call, the Captain was pre- 
sented with a fine saber, and belt of red leather, by his coun- 
trymen here. There had been no restriction on the men so 
far, and now commenced the execution of orders to keep the 
men in camp, and many were the inmates of the guardhouse. 
Guard duty was done with four old muskets that were never 
cleaned, and the first day were filled with gravel and rammed 
down. 

Our first Sunday in camp was a new experience, 

°' " to some at least. At 5 P. M., we were invited to 
a brigade dress parade, in which the 32d, 33d and 34th 
Regiments of infantry, a company of cavalry, and our com- 
pany, took part; afterward a short religious service by the 
chaplain of one of the regiments ; also singing, led by the 
band. We had singing in our camp for the first time, in the 
evening. 

In previous enlistments, many of the organizations were 
local in interest, and in many regiments the companies were 
made up of men from one locality. At this time it was dif- 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 



I I 



ferent ; there were few towns that sent a dozen men who 
were acquainted together, and onr own organization was an 
example of this. Of 314 men on our books and muster-out 
rolls, 73 were of 1st Mass. Battery, transferred to the 9th 
February 28, 1865, whose history I do not know. The 241 
men were from 35 towns and cities, of which 



West Roxbury, Roxbury and Jamaica Plain 
led with ...... 

Boston, ....... 

Cambridge, East Cambridge and Cambridgeport 

Maiden, 

Charlestown, ...... 

Marlboro, ....... 

the Bridgewaters, ..... 

Concord, ....... 

Somerville, ...... 

Dennis, ....... 

Easton, ....... 

Lynn field, ...... 

Lawrence, Melrose, Taunton, each 4, 

Stoughton, Scituate, Brookline, each 3, 

Weymouth, Newburyport, Worcester, Winthrop, 
Salem, Brandy Station, each 2, . . . 

Dartmouth, Southboro, Dedham, Weston, Ab- 
ington, Sandwich, Upton's Hill, Duxbury, 
Framingham, Blandford, Lynn, each 1, 



42 
34 
24 
20 

15 

14 

13 

9 

8 

7 
6 

5 
12 

9 

12 



1 1 



241 



12 



HISTORY OF THE 



Also, the ages of the men were as follows : 
19 men were 18 years old. 21 men were 26 years old. 



13 


19 


16 


27 


H 


' 20 ' 


9 


28 


35 


' 21 


' 11 


29 


24 


' 22 


15 


30 


34 


23 


34 


31 to 35 " 


20 


24 


27 


' 36 to 40 " 


18 


25 


' 10 


41 to 47 " 



Aug. 10. 



August 10, we were mustered into the United 



States service by Lieut. Elder, as the 9th Battery 
Massachusetts Volunteers, to serve three years from the 
date of muster in, unless sooner discharged. Achille De 
Vecchi was mustered as captain, and Christopher Erickson, 
A. H. Whitaker, Geo. W. Foster, and R. S. Milton as Lieu- 
tenants, and the organization of the Battery was nearly as 
follows when we commenced to drill : — 



Organization of 9TH Massachusetts Battery, Septem- 
ber 3, 1862. 

Captain, Achille De Vecchi. 

Chief of Caissons, Junior Second Lieutenant, Richard S. 
Milton. . 

Orderly Sergeant, George H. Prescott. 
Quartermaster Sergeant, James W. Reed, Jr. 
Guidon, Francis Quaranti. 
Buglers, 1st, Chas. W. Reed; 2d, Orin Reynolds. 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 



13 



Right 

Senior First Lieutenant Chr 

FIRST DETACHMENT. 

Sergt., Wm. W. Snelling. 

Gunner, John L. Fenton. 
Corp., Isaac F. Eaton. 

Gun Detachment. 
No. 1, Henry Fen. 
" 2, A. B. Smith. 
" 3, Z. D. Nichols. 
" 4, Chas. B. Nutting. 
" 5, Alfred Clement, Jr. 
" 6, Thos. Murry. 
" 7, Adolph Lipman. 

Piece Drivers. 
Lead, Alfred Morse. 
Swing, J. H. Nicholson. 
Wheel, Samuel Toby. 

Caisson Drivers. 
Lead, Geo. Doherty. 
Swing. John Buckman. 
Wheel, Sam'l W. Barnard. 

Extra. 
Chas. Loring. 
Jos. A. Chapin. 
H. Z. Miles. 
Henry A. Packard. 



Section. 
istopher Erickson, commanding. 

SECOND DETACHMENT. 

Sergt., Charles E. Dodge. 
Gunner, W. L. Tucker. 
Corp., Francis C. Tucker. 

Gun Detachment. 
No. I, Daniel P. Doyle. 
" 2, John R. Martin. 
" 3, Jas. M. Howland. 
" 4, Stilson H. Dow. 
" 5, Jos. Wilkinson, Jr. 
" 6, Wm. J. Doe. 
" 7, Eugene Tufts. 

Piece Drivers. 
Lead, Michael McCarroll. 
Swing, Arthur Murphy. 
Wheel, John Crossan. 

( 'aisson Drivers. 
Lead, Peter Fisher, Jr. 
Swing, Edwin Babson. 
Wheel. Melville Hatch. 

Extra. 
John Scheibler. 
W. H. Dawes. 
Geo. Harris. 



14 history of the 

Left Section. 
Junior First Lieutenant Alexander H. Whitaker, commanding. 



FIFTH DETACHMENT. 

Sergt., John Cortipas. 
Gunner, Vincent Regalli. 
Corp., M. Lastreco. 

Gun Detachment. 
No. i, John Ligal. 

2, Geo. W. Carter. 

3, David Brett. 

4, J. K. Norwood. 

5, J. H. Wiley. 

6, N. F. Cate. 

7, Jesse Sherburn. 

Piece Drivers. 
Lead, James F. Gilson. 
Swing, O. A. Merritt. 
Wheel, R. C. Blaisdell. 

Caisson Drivers. 
Lead, Edwin Bollitho. 
Swing, 
Wheel, Geo. Ransom. 

Extra. 
Herman Jansen. 
Louis Pinti. 
John Gazzle. 



SIXTH DETACHMENT. 

Sergt., Jos. Akerman. 
Gunner, Jos. Hirst. 
Corp., L. N. Langeleer. 

Gun Detachment. 
No. i, Nelson Lowell. 
" 2, L. W. Baker. 
" 3, Jas. L. Clapp. 
" 4, Richard Holland. 
" 5, Zimri Whitney. 
" 6, John B. Stowe. 
" 7, Elbridge Wilkins. 

Piece Drivers. 
Lead, Hiram W. Fay. 
Swing, H. H. Burdett. 
Wheel, Eleazer Call. 

Caisson Drivers. 
Lead, Albert Taylor. 
Swing, John A. Fulsom. 
Wheel, Chas. Tibbets. 

Extra. 
Stephen H. Goodwin. 
Edwin R. Knapp. 
Jas. E. Kimball. 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY, 



•5 



Augustus Hessie. 
Jos. R. Brown. 
Edward Rouse. 



R. B. Rico. 
Wm. II . Stron-. 
John Q. Adams. 
Henry F. Nash. 



Centre Section. 
Senior Second Lieutenant Geo. W. Foster, commanding. 



THIRD DETACHMENT. 

Sergt., Geo. Murray. 
Gunner, John V. Huntress. 
Corp., Chas. H. Hall. 

Gun Detachment. 

No. I, John A. McCarty. 

2, Chas. A. Guinn. 

3, Charles A. Hall. 

4, John H. Sullivan. 

5, John W. McDonald. 

6, Reuben L. Willis. 

7, Walter Lea. 

Piece Drivers. 
Lead, James McDavitt. 
Swing, Sam. C. Glover. 
Wheel, Nathan H. Brand. 

Caisson Drivers. 
Lead, Horace Prescott. 
Swing, G. F. W. Haynes. 
Wheel, H. C. Knight. 



FOURTH DETACHMENT. 

Sergt., John II. Whittemore. 
Gunner, Levi Lincoln. 
Corp., Henry A. Hills. 

Gun Detachment. 

No. i, Stephen N. Parker. 

" 2, Enoch B. Lord. 

" 3, B. E. Murray. 

" 4, W. H. Hunson. 

" 5, John H. Manning. 

" 6, Wm. Park, Jr. 

" 7, J. P. Ayers. 

Piece Drivers. 
Lead, L. J. Sanderson. 
Swing, E. F. Currell. 
Wheel, D. J. I larmond. 

( 'aisson Drivers. 
I ,ead, Jas. Dalton. 
Swing, Thomas Sprague. 
Wheel, John C. Woodard. 



i6 



HISTORY OF THE 



Extra. 
John W. Byrnes. 
John J. Barry. 
Henry Packard. 
A. A. Spalding. 
Chas. Simmings. 
Geo. W. Stafford. 
Chas. L. Sawin. 
Gardner Garry. 

Geo. B. Morse. 
Jas. A. Harvey. 

Bartlett C. Edson. 



Jas. Whitney. 



Chas. B. Lord. 



Extra. 
F. L. Kenniston. 
Geo. A. Tucker. 
Samuel Whittemore. 
Geo. F. Boston. 
John U. Allen. 
O. C. Hussy. 
Wm. B. Pearce. 



Artificers. 



Forge Drivers. 



Battery Wagon Drivers. 



Daniel B. Jenness. 

Ambulance Driver. 
Warren H. Trask. 

Cooks. 



Officers' Cook. 
Nahum A. Doe. 

Care of Officers^ Horses. 

John H. Kelley. 

Teamsters. 



Marsena L. Martin. 
Thos. Fisher. 

Emerson A. Noyes. 



Austin Packard. 



Henry F. Dearborn. 



Chas. H. Brickett. 
5 officers; 150 enlisted men. 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. I J 

August 14, at 4 A.M., reveille sounded, our 

Auiv 14. 

knapsacks were packed, tents struck, and early we 
left Camp Stanton for Camp Meigs, 

READVILLE, MASS., 

arriving about 1 o'clock, and before night our camp is laid 
out and tents pitched. Our camp was on a fine, dry, level 
field beside the Providence Railroad, and the side of the field 
farthest from the carriage road. 

Before the Battery was organized, William Snelling and 
Joseph Akerman, two men who had seen service, gravitated 
towards the flanks of the Battery, and each had his circle of 
retainers ; and in the organization they were given the right 
and left detachments, and the detachments were formed 
pretty much as the men had grouped themselves together. 
Capt. De Vecchi took command here, and all commenced' 
preparations for active service. The officers hired a French- 
man, master of the broadsword, to teach them the broadsword 
exercise. The Battery drills were entirely foot, and detach- 
ment, section and company formation. Sergt. Akerman had 
a dummy gun built, and his detachment commenced the 
school of the piece in loading and firing, which was followed 
by the right detachment. It proved to be a great help to us. 
There was something new every day, and many visitors came 
to camp. 

August 16, the Company were presented with a 

beautiful set of colors by the ladies of West Rox- 

bury, and they were received by a salute of ten guns. At 



1 8 HISTORY OF THE 

the same time the 16th Maine Regiment were on the cars 
beside our camp, and responded with cheers. 

Before we came here our cookhouse was in a bad way, and 
on arrival at this camp, James Whitney was detailed com- 
pany cook, and each detachment was to detail one man to be 
excused from all other duty to assist him. The first day, E. 
Wilkins of the sixth detachment, and John W. McDonald of 
the third detachment, with others, were detailed. At fatigue 
call they reported at the cookhouse, and after cutting some 
wood and bringing some water, they began to leave one at a 
time, except Wilkins and McDonald, who commenced to pick 
over one half bushel of beans. Soon an apple woman came 
near. "Want to buy some apples?" — "No." — "Want 
anything else ? " — " No." Says Wilkins to McDonald, " She 
has some whisky." Says McD. to W., " I'll find out." " Look 
here, Granny, what do you ask for your apples ? " and trying 
to select some, says, " Got some whisky ? " Says Granny, 
"Want some?" McD., "Yes." And she began to work at 
the waist of her dress, and soon a bottle dropped to the 
ground. " Fifty cents " — and so rank he could not drink it. 

The camp began to fill up with other regiments and bat- 
teries, and we had to be more particular about guard duty, 
and many men lay in the guardhouse for running guard. 
Soon after we came here, one of the corporals was arrested 
for drunkenness and lost his chevron. The last Sabbath we 
were here, a detachment of us under Lieut. Erickson went to 
Dedham to church, which maneuver was successfully exe- 
cuted. In the evening a small party got passes and went to 
Hyde Park, and several took part in a prayer meeting there. 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 19 

A large number of men on the left made Sergt. Akerman 
a present of a saber, belt, brace of revolvers, and dirk knife, 

in appreciation of his zeal in caring for his men, and in 
teaching them the drill of the piece. He was very popular 
at the left of the Battery. 

About the 28th of August, we had about one hundred 
horses assigned to us, but only one came to camp. 

As most of us were working men, and used to seeing 
work progress and things accomplished, we were weary at 
the light duties and slow progress we were making and much 
discontent was manifested, and when the time came that 
orders were issued to pack up, we were ready to go. 

With twenty-four hours' rations of ham, and four hard 

tack, we started, at 1. 30 P. M., September 3, on 

S6Dt 3 
^ ' the Providence railroad. We were escorted from 

camp by the nth Massachusetts Battery, and detachments 
of the 42d, 43d and 44th Regiments, and were cheered as we 
went on board of the cars. Before we started, a detail of 
twenty men had been made to take the horses and care for 
them, and when we arrived at Groton, we went on board the 
steamer Commonwealth with our horses and started for New 
York. Part of the horses were picketed to both sides of a 
rope stretched across the bow of the boat. Here Nelson 
Lowell was on guard, and showed such capacity in manag- 
ing horses that it resulted in his being appointed stable 
sergeant afterward. One horse died on the passage, other- 
wise we arrived in New York safely. We went to Jersey 
City and remained there till 1 P. M., September 4. 
' ' We had dinner of soup, bread and coffee. We 



20 HISTORY OF THE 

arrived in Philadelphia about 9 P. M., and had supper at the 
" Soldiers' Rest." There were about eight persons there, men, 
ladies and children, and we had a bountiful supper of cold 
meat, bread, butter, cheese, salad and coffee. We did justice 
to the fare, thanked the ladies, and left. We passed through 
the city to the Philadelphia & Baltimore railroad, and at 
12.30 A. M. started for Baltimore. Arrived at Havre de 
Grace at 7 A. M. the 5th, and barely escaped having a car- 
load of horses run into the river. 

The roads beyond New York are single track, and our 
progress was slow. At Gunpowder Bridge we saw the first 
signs of war — blockhouses at each end of the bridge, and an 
armed sentry there. We passed over three fourths of the 
bridge, when a truck broke near the centre of the train, and 
was stopped in about 400 feet. One pair of wheels were 
dragged lengthwise on a single plank 150 yards, till stopped, 
and so saved throwing the rear half of the train into the 
river, where the water was from six to fifteen feet deep. The 
horses in the wrecked car were jumped into the water, and 
swam to the shore. We lost one horse here, badly bruised. 
They were reloaded and we went on to Baltimore, arriving 
about 5 P. M. Found the city full of rumors of Jackson 
crossing the Potomac. The Secesh in the city were elated 
and saucy. We remained in the cars till night, then crossed 
the city to the Baltimore & Ohio depot, and bivouacked on 
the platform for the night. We were in no condition to fight 
our way through the city, like the 6th Regiment, as we had 
no arms but six sabers and a few revolvers, but we were 
given a company of infantry for guard that night. About 12 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY, 



21 



Sept. 6. 



M., the 6th of September, we started for Washing- 
ton, and at night we were unloaded at the corrals. 



,:n 







Some stayed in them, and some slept in an adjoining grave- 
yard. The morning of the 7th finds us in 

WASHINGTON, 

tired and sore from our hard beds, but we take up our line of 
march for East Capitol Hill, and commeneed making our 



22 HISTORY OF THE 

camp about east of the Capitol, one and one half miles 
distant. The ground here is so hard from the continued 
tread of soldiers, that we have to make a hole to drive a 
tent pin. 

We at once commenced the work of equipment, and here 
those two men, sergeants of the right and left detachments, 
made themselves very useful : one, in making proper requisi- 
tions, and the other in getting them filled. Sergt. Akerman 
always got what he was sent after, and many knots of red 
tape has he untied by his push and energy. Some of the 
boys had some fun when the mule teams were drawn, as the 
mules were caught with a lasso and given to them with only 
a halter on them. Then they had to harness and get back to 
camp. 

The 1 8th of September, we went to the arsenal 
v ' ' at Washington for our guns, three-inch rifled Rod- 
mans. As we were leaving, one horse on the left or sixth 
caisson became unmanageable, and threw the swing driver, 
John A. Fulsom, and Sergt. Akerman and some horses, in a 
heap together. Akerman was about again in a few days, but 
Fulsom went to the hospital, and never returned to the 
Battery. He was discharged January, 1863. 

September 7, the first order for promotion was read. Capt. 
De Vecchi had directed that one man from each section 
should be selected, and the sergeant major was to draw lots 
for the promotion. Some of the lieutenants and sergeants 
advised another course, which was followed, and the promo- 
tion was in the detachment where the vacancy occurred, and 
L. W. Baker was promoted to be corporal. 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 23 

We soon had a chance to see some of those who had been 
campaigning. An Indiana battery came in camp near us. 
The}' were the hardest looking set of men we had ever seen, 
and through the whole time of service never saw anything 
worse. Some had on shirts, all had pants, some hats, some 
caps, some boots, some shoes, some one each ; all were ex- 
tremely dirty. The same of horses and harnesses. Each 
man did his own cooking. 

The air is full of rumors : that Jackson has crossed the 
Potomac, that the railroad to Baltimore is occupied by the 
Rebels, that spies have been in our camp. One day a minie 
ball struck in our camp ; one man thought somebody was 
trving to shoot him, and others helped him in thinking so. 
Three mounted civilians were seen near our camp, and were 
arrested by a squad of cavalry. At night the officers feared 
horse thieves, and a double guard was posted and armed with 
revolvers. 

Between Baltimore and Washington a contraband joined 
us and came to this camp. He was seen to have a watch one 
day, the next it was missing. J. B. Stowe had lost one. The 
orderly sergeant and one of the artificers, and some others, 
took him to a tree and proposed to hang him if he did not 
produce the watch. He promised to do it, and under a guard 
he went and brought it from its hiding-place. It was the lost 
watch. He was turned over to the city police. 

The first Sabbath in this place. First Lieut. Erickson led 
in a religious service, assisted by some others of the Battery. 
A short time after, one man, who has acted strange ever 
since he enlisted, was found in a crazy fit. He thought he 



24 HISTORY OF THE 

ought to be a chaplain. Some of the boys helped him along 
in it, and a petition was started for his appointment. A bur- 
lesque order was read one night, appointing him chaplain of 
the 9th Mass. Battery. The next Sabbath he held service, 
and for about one fourth hour conducted service by reading 
from the Bible and Episcopal service book, and occupied 
about three minutes in his sermon, when he was exhausted of 
material and stopped. This was the last of this affair. 

We are all equipped and have been drilling in battery drill 
every day, making good progress in the field, much better 
than in detail work, and later we had to commence anew on 
that and follow it up. There was some rivalry between the 
section commanders as to who should have the best appearing 
section, and many were the long discussions between the 
lieutenants as to the proper way to make certain formations, 
and both Sergts. Snelling and Akerman had a chance to show 
all they knew about artillery drill, and their lieutenants were 
not slow in getting from them all they knew. 

CAMP CHACE, VA. 

Orders came for us to go to the Virginia side, and Sep- 
tember 22 we pack up, march through Washington, 

^ " ' over Long Bridge, to Arlington Heights, to a camp 
in the defences of Washington. Gen. Briggs, of the 10th 
Mass. Regiment, was in command, and we were rather 
short of elbow room. Our guns were parked at close 
intervals, and we were surrounded by infantry except on 
the south. 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 25 

We commence drilling in earnest, and are usually in the 
field from 8 to 11.30 A.M., and drill in camp from 2 to 5 
P.M. Sergt. Akerman drilled his detachment in dismount- 
ing the piece and limber, and we became quite proficient in 
it, although it was not in the regular drill. 

Soon after we came here, we exchanged the guns in the 
centre section for brass twelve-pounders. In this camp, from 
sunset to retreat, there was something going on all the time. 
One tent of Charlestown firemen run the machine to fires, 
and woe to the man who was in their way. 

A great many men thought we were not getting our 
rations, and some letters went to Massachusetts that caused 
an investigation by the officers in camp, and many men were 
called up to headquarters and examined about it. A petition 
was supposed to have been circulated in camp. John J. 
Byrnes, Austin Packard, and Elbridge Wilkins were cooks at 
this time, and were doing well, and were gaining in experi- 
ence. The weather was hot and flies plenty, and it was hard 
to keep fresh meat. One day, by accident, a piece was 
served blown, and one man, Geo. Carter, found a piece and 
carried it to headquarters and complained of it ; said we had 
a good deal of such stuff. The officer of the day went to 
the cookhouse and found that it was not seen by the cooks, 
and they would not serve any blown meat if they knew it. 
One of the cooks asked to be relieved from the cookhouse, 
and James E. Kimball was appointed cook. He proved to 
be the right man in the right place, and served through the 
war as company cook. Just at this time there was a move- 
ment of troops that took the attention from rations, and this 
3 



26 HISTORY OF THE 

was the last we heard of the trouble for some time. After 
our camp was quiet, a change was made in our rations. Each 
detachment had a cook, and had its rations served in full to 
them. 

October 13, there is a record preserved of rations 
drawn in sixth detachment for twenty-four men for 
six days : 105 lbs. salt beef, 40 lbs. salt pork, 12 lbs. coffee, 
18 lbs. sugar, 2 qts. molasses, 4% qts. vinegar, 6 qts. beans, 
6 lbs. rice, 6 lbs. soap, \)/ 2 lbs. candles, 24 loaves of bread 
per day. 

Most of the troops left this camp, and we had marching 
orders. Taking overcoats and blankets, we went about one 
eighth of a mile west, and went in battery and lay all night. 
The ambulance was with us, headed toward Washington. 
Capt. De Vecchi lay in that all night. 

October 25, W. B. Pearce appointed company clerk. 

October 26, we get marching orders, and the 27th 
Oct 26 > & & / 

break camp, and go back over Long Bridge to 

CAMP BARRY, MD, 

the new artillery camp, one and one half miles northeast of 
Washington, at the toll-gate on the Bladensburg road. We 
found in camp the 10th and nth Mass., H, Rhode Island, 
and the 17th New York is to come here. The camp is under 
command of Maj. Munroe, of H, R. I. This camp is lately 
established, is directly under the supervision of Gen. Barry, 
and the instruction is intended to be thorough, for officers as 
well as men. 



\ 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 2*] 

Glanders got into our Battery, and several horses died, 
and one or more was shot. It was said that one lieutenant 
fired sixteen shots into one horse and did not bring him 
down. Several months after, said lieutenant was officer of 
the day, and one of the men had got too much raw commis- 
sary, and was very noisy, and told the officer : " I no 'fraid 
of you. You shoote sixteen times and no hit a horse." 

October 30, some of the boys brought in camp a lot of cab- 
bages, turnips and potatoes, and got a piece of corned beef, 
and kettle at the cookhouse, and about 1 o'clock A.M. we 
had a plate of good boiled dinner. We thought it the best 
we ever ate. 

The story is told that November 1, in the evening, a pig 
was brought in camp, and three quarters of it was roasted 
and eaten before morning, and one quarter carried to head- 
quarters and laid on the mess-table. There had been no 
pains taken to cover tracks, and early in the morning a 
policeman appeared and looked around our camp sharply, but 
no bones or offal could he find ; no one knew anything about 
it, but said perhaps he might find something at headquarters. 
He found the quarter, and Captain had to pay for the pig. 
"By tarn, those Yankee boys." 

At another time, two men brought a pig to camp, but were 
so commissarily tired that they fell down near the park. The 
guard made some disturbance, and Captain went down to see 
what was up. He saw the trio lying side by side, and, turn- 
ing away, said : " Me no see pig." 

Before we came to this camp, we were in the defences 
of Washington, in camp with infantry and under infantry 



28 HISTORY OF THE 

officers as brigade commanders, and we were left to our- 
selves. Now we are in camp with artillery only, and soon 
after Maj. Munroe took command he issued the following 
order : — 

Artillery Headquarters, Camp Barry, 
Washington, D. C, Nov. 3, 1862. 
General Order No. 2. 

I. Until further orders, the following will be observed as the 
order of daily duties : 

Reveille, ....... Sunrise. 

Breakfast, .... Immediately after Reveille. 

Sick Call, ) tt , £ , ,. 

0i , , ,-, ',, >■ . . . . Half an hour after. 
Stable Call, ) 

Guard Mounting, ..... 8.30 o'clock. 

Boots and Saddles (Section or Battery Drill), 9.00 o'clock. 

Watering Call, ..... 1 1.30 o'clock. 

Dinner Call, . . . . 12.00 o'clock. 

Drill Call (Standing Gun or Marching Drill), 2.00 o'clock. 

Recall, ....... 4.00 o'clock. 

Stable Call, water before grooming, 4.00 to 5.00 o'clock. 

Retreat, ....... Sunset. 

Tattoo, ....... 8.00 o'clock. 

Taps, ....... 8.30 o'clock. 

Commanding officers will see that the foregoing is strictly ob- 
served, and that no duties are performed other than at the proper 
time. 

If. Roll calls will take place at Reveille, Retreat and Tattoo. 
There will also be a roll call of drivers at Stable and Watering 
Call. 

III. In companies where no kitchen is established, company 
cooks will be appointed immediately, whose duty it will be to see 
that meals are provided promptly at the specified time. 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 29 

IV. At Drill Calls, companies will be drilled either at the man- 
ual of the piece or in marching. The buglers will assemble at a 
place to be designated hereafter and practice until Recall. 

V. No call will be sounded in camp except those specified ; 
which, with the exception of meal calls, will -first be sounded from 
Headquarters to be repeated by the buglers throughout the com- 
mand. After Retreat, the bugle will be sounded in no case what- 
ever, except for Tattoo and Taps. At Taps, every enlisted man 
will be in quarters, and immediately after, all lights in quarters will 
be extinguished ; all noise, talking, laughing, etc., will cease. The 
battery officer of the day, in each company, will pay special atten- 
tion to the sounding of the bugle and to the observance of Taps ; 
will direct his guard to order lights out and noise to cease promptly 
at the bugle call. In cases of the violation of this order, and when 
the order of the sentinels is disregarded, he will cause the arrest of 
the offender immediately. 

VI. All orders received will be read at Retreat; company 
orders also will be published at that time. 

VII. It will be the duty of the officer of the day to see that this 
order is fully carried out in every respect. He will attend all roll 
calls, superintend all stable duties, take charge of the company at 
Drill Call (if a standing gun drill), visit the company kitchen at 
least once a day, and inspect the cooking utensils, method of 
cooking, etc. 

J. ALBERT MUNROE, 

Major R. I. Artillery, 

Commanding. 

Some of the men were rather lawless about obeying 
orders. An order was issued forbidding" the men to mount 
or dismount without orders. One day, after drill, the drivers 
rode to the picket rope, and one sergeant forgot to repeat the 
order, " Dismount," and one driver sat several minutes 
waiting the order. Officer of the day asked why he sat 
there, and he was ordered to sit there till retreat. 



30 HISTORY OF THE 

It is amusing to look back at the rumors we heard in 
camp ; first we were going to Newbern, then Charleston, 
then New Orleans, and with Banks to Texas. 

When we first came in camp, we were inspected by Gen. 
Barry. It was the first thorough inspection we ever had. 
Gen. B. told our officers they had better study the book more 
— " It will not hurt you to study evenings." 

November n, the following order was issued: — 

Headquarters Camp Artillery, Instruction Camp Barry, 

November n, 1862. 
General Order No. 6. ( Extract.) 

IV. A school of instruction will be established through the 
camp at once, recitations taking place three times a week. Cap- 
tains will recite to the commanding officer Mondays, Wednesdays 
and Fridays, at 7.30 o'clock P. M. Subalterns will recite to the 
commanding officer of their respective companies, and non-com- 
missioned officers to their chiefs of sections. First sergeants and 
quartermaster sergeants will not be excused, but will recite to the 
chiefs of the right and left sections of their companies. 

J. ALBERT MUNROE, 

Commanding. 

It would seem that this order was changed in practice 
somewhat, as the following is related by an officer who was 
present : " A school of artillery was established here, and a 
general order required all the officers to be present at head- 
quarters at 7.30 P. M. Capt. De Vecchi took no notice of 
the order. He was informed he was expected to be there, 
and the third time he understood the order and prepared 
himself accordingly. Promptly at the hour, in full uniform, 
side arms, and mounted, with orderly, he appeared at the 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 3 1 

tent, ioo yards from his own. Dismounting, he entered, to 
find the officers of the brigade and his own lieutenants sitting 
around in fatigue dress. Looking around in apparent aston- 
ishment, he said : ' What, no uniform ? In my countree 
artillaree school we have in full uniform.' When asked some 
question, he spoke in French so fast and fluently that no one 
was any wiser for it." He was not expected at school again. 

While in this camp, Capt. De Vecchi tried to impress on 
Gen. Barry the importance of arming the cannoneers with 
carbines. He had the company clerk copy from a French 
manual and arrange a carbine drill, and had the manuscript 
beautifully bound and presented it to Gen. Barry. 

We are drilling in the field all the time when the weather 
is suitable. Sometimes we are put through rather rough 
drill. Our record shows that November I we went in battery 
by section over a very rough place — ditches, holes and 
banks — and the cannoneers were mounted on the chests 
during the maneuver. An axle on one of the guns in right 
or centre section was broken, and the gunner was ordered to 
change it; and we have the story in his own language, as 
follows : " On returning to camp, the Captain ordered me to 
take one of the mule teams and to go to Washington and 
change the broken for a new carriage. I reported at the 
arsenal, only to be laughed at ; at this I got mad, and, to 
make still more fun of me, the clerk advised me to go up to 
Gen. Ripley's office. I did not see his meaning, so rode up 
to the War Department and went upstairs. The orderly 
took my name and business in to the General, who bade me 
wait. When he was ready he called the orderly, who took 



32 HISTORY OF THE 

me in. The old, kindly-looking General said, ' Well, my son, 
what can I do for you ? ' I replied, ' I think I am out of 
order, but having come so far, I will state my case,' which I 
did. He asked me who was the commanding officer, and all 
about him, and told me what ought to have been done, and 
what must be done. He then took a scrap of paper and 
wrote, ' Deliver this man what he wants,' and signed his 
name, saying, 'I guess this will fix you, and give my compli- 
ments to the Captain and request him to forward the proper 
vouchers.' With this I returned to the arsenal, got a car- 
riage, and went back to camp and got another dreadful 
cursing for being so stupid." 

November 7 we had the first snowstorm. There was four 
inches on the ground at one time. 

November 10, George W. Stafford of Lawrence 

NOV. 10. .. , . . . . , . 

died at hospital in the city : the first death we 

have had. The following is on file with Battery papers : — 

The members of the 9th Mass. Battery, desiring to testify to the 
virtues of their deceased friend and fellow soldier, George W. Staf- 
ford, at an informal meeting of this corps, 

Resolved, That we have learned with sentiments of profound 
emotion the death of our friend, George W. Stafford, a member of 
this company ; and while with feelings of deep sorrow we realize 
that he is no more to meet us on earth, we desire to offer our con- 
solations to those to whom he was nearer and dearer than to us, 
with whom the years of his youth and manhood have been passed. 
We and they have the satisfaction of knowing that he came here to 
brave the dangers and diseases of a soldier's life from a strong 
conviction of duty alone, and he has thus died, fulfilling his duty 
to God, to his country, and to civilization. 

Camp Barry, Washington, D. C, Nov. 14, 1862. 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 33 

November 15. A general inspection is ordered for tomor- 
row at 9.30 o'clock ; the nth Mass., 12th Xevv York, and 9th 
Mass. are to be inspected by Maj. Munroe. He was very 
thorough in his questioning, and the non-ccmvi'ssioned "offi- 
cers were asked many things we were never taught, but we 
passed very well, as results showed. Maj. Munroe told two 
lieutenants that one of the 9th Battery gunners passed the 
best examination of any one in the three batteries. 

We can all see that we have made progress in the three 
weeks and two days we have been in this camp ; both officers 
and non-commissioned officers have learned their duties, and 
it is much easier for all the men. The horses now are well 
broken in to their work. Disease breaking out among them, 
called for the best man over the stables, and Nelson Lowell 
was appointed stable sergeant; feed was now regular, and 
soon glanders was driven out. New men were in the cook- 
house, and our rations were better prepared. 

November 19, about 9 A.M., as we were leaving 

Nov. 19. . . . 

the park for drill, an order came, directing us to 

report to Gen. Abercrombie. ( Special Order No. g.) Again 

we reduce our baggage, as we have collected in this camp 

many conveniences and things to make us comfortable, 

which we had to abandon and take only our regulation 

baggage. 

About noon we are ready to start, but we have to leave 

some quartermaster and commissary stores and baggage, and 

Lieut. Foster, with Quartermaster Reed, Company Clerk 

Pearce, with some others, were left behind and followed us 

the next clay. 



34 HISTORY OF THE 

It commenced raining in the forenoon, and by the time we 
passed through Washington and Georgetown the gutters 
were quite well filled. We did not march at our posts, but 
the'c-est wav we :v)uld to keep up with our pieces, and we got 
pretty well soaked. One man was afraid he would get lost, 
and jumped on the spare wheel; in turning a corner the 
wheel turned — as they sometimes will when anything is on 
the upper side — and the man was shot off head first into the 
gutter. 

We crossed at Chain Bridge and climbed Hall's Hill, over 
new roads two miles, and bivouacked about dark. Some of 
our teams did not get in till 9 o'clock. We made a shelter 
of rails and tarpaulin and slept well, till a rail fell down on 
the face of one man, which made some loud talk. Rails were 
plenty and fires also. 

HALL'S HILL. 

In the morning we moved our camp farther up the hill, 
and pitched our tents and tried to be comfortable, but could 
not as it rained all day and the night following. At daylight 
the sight was gloomy ; our horses were picketed to the guns 
and caissons, and they were in the midst of a circle of mud 
and water, and as the guards went their rounds they found 
the pummels of some saddles sticking up and some bridles 
floating around in the pools. We are now under Gen. Aber- 
crombie's command. 

November 21, at q A.M., we had orders to strike 
« our tents, take tents and one day's rations; and 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 35 

at i P. M. the right and left sections left for Fort Ramsey, 
Upton's Hill, under command of Lieut. Erickson. A hard, 
muddy march, but we arrived at the fort at 3 P. M. and 
camped inside at night. It was fair and cold, but we had 
plenty of wood, and our campfires were enjoyed by Lieuts. 
Erickson and Whitaker and the men, who all tried to make 
things comfortable. The night was cold, and we did not 
sleep much ; some lay on the ground around the fire, some in 
the magazine. In the morning the ground was frozen quite 
hard. 

November 22. In the morning a corporal (the writer) was 
sent back to Hall's Hill with twelve pairs of horses, and the 
centre section and baggage came up. During the day the 
right section hauled out and went to Fort Buffalo, an outpost 
beyond the Leesbury and Alexandria turnpike. The order 
for our removal was : — 

Headquarters Abercrombie's Division, 
November 21, 1862. 
Special Order No. 28. 

I. The 9th Battery Mass. Vols., Capt. Achille De Vecchi com- 
manding, will proceed forthwith to Upton's Hill. Capt. De Vecchi 
will report to Col. Wm. Gurney, commanding 3d Brigade of this 
Division, who will assign him his position. 

By order of Brig. Gen. Abercrombie, commanding Division, 

J. A. SLIPPER, 

A. A. G. 

The only apparent reason why we did not all go together 
as ordered, is the bad roads. The two sections that went 
first were in light marching order, and the teams of the other 
and baggage were re-enforced when they came up. 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 2)7 

FORT RAMSEY, VA. 

As this is the place of a five months' camp, let us locate it. 
Fort Ramsey is on Upton's Hill, beside a road from George- 
town by way of Ball's Crossroads to Falls Church. Wash- 
ington is in sight to the east, and Bull Run Mountains in the 
west, Miner's Hill on the north, Munson's Hill on the south. 
Washington eight miles, and Ball's Crossroads one and one 
half miles, east; Fort Buffalo one half mile, Bull Run Moun- 
tains twenty miles, west ; Miner's Hill one mile north ; Falls 
Church one mile northwest ; Munson's Hill one mile, and 
Bailey's Crossroads, one and one half miles, south. Of 
troops, there was a brigade at Miner's Hill, in which was the 
40th Mass. Regiment, and a brigade near Fort Ramsey of 
New York troops, the 124th and 6th among them. Lieuts. 
Erickson and Milton are at Fort Buffalo, and the quarters of 
the men are inside the fort. At Fort Ramsey, Capt. De 
Vecchi and Lieuts. Whitaker and Foster are in the fort, but 
our caissons, stable and camp are outside, east of the fort. 

We built a stable of logs, roofed with boards, and stock- 
aded our tents, so that by December 10 we were in comfort- 
able quarters, all having fireplaces in them. In front of the 
left section was a campfire that was built as soon as we went 
there, and was kept up till the middle of December, and sweet 
potatoes were never better than when baked under that fire. 
Between our park and the road was a sutler's tent kept by 
an Italian, who used to make two pies of one apple, and sell at 
twenty-five cents apiece. He kept cake, apples, tobacco, and 
some whisky. We did not like him, as we may see later. 



38 



HISTORY OF THE 



Some of the boys had Thanksgiving boxes from home, and 
enjoyed a dinner from them with Virginia sweet potatoes. 








December 4 and 5. Snowed for two days which was worse 
than mud. Several inches of snow on the ground at one 
time ; one sleigh passed our camp. Several days were cold, 
and we suffered with wet and cold feet. 

December 13. Fred Kenniston fell with a kettle of coffee, 
and scalded his arm so that the skin and some flesh came off. 
He was cared for in camp a few days, and was sent to 
hospital in Washington. 

December 15. Gen. Abercrombie reviewed the brigade 
today. We were a little anxious as we had been doing more 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 39 

fatigue duty than drill, and might be a little rusty, but we 
got along very well. Rumors are rife in camp of advances 
on the enemy, and that we are soon to move. 

December 21. We have a Christmas dinner sent out from 
West Roxbury, and added to by Mrs. Fails of Washington. 
Boards were laid on the limbers in the fort, and our dinner 
was spread there of roast turkey and chickens, chicken and 
oyster soup, pies, Boston crackers, ginger snaps, pickles, 
cheese and apples. This dinner was appreciated by us as a 
reminder of home, and that we are remembered in this yearly 
festival. 

Early in the winter we had no dry wood except such as we 
could find. Some of our teamsters learned early, under 
Sergt. Akerman, when they went out for anything to bring it 
home. One day the cookhouse wanted some dry wood, and 
Charlie Lord went for some a mile west of Fort Buffalo ; he 
found a rail fence and loaded up and came back to camp. 
The owner got there before him, and claimed the fence and 
that he was a Union man. The officer of the day told Lord 
to carry it back, which he did, but got a load at the other 
end, out of sight, and unloaded at cookhouse. 

In January a good deal of whisky came in camp. Guards 
were sent to search the teams before they arrived in camp, 
but were unable to find any. Sometimes it would be hanging 
from the pummel of the saddle on the inside and covered by 
the overcoat of the driver, and sometimes taken off before 
the guard arrived and carried a back way to camp. 

December 24. Letters of this date speak of trouble in 
camp, of an artificer placed under arrest for inciting mutiny ; 



40 HISTORY OF THE 

he was examined and put in the ranks. This artificer was a 
giant in stature and wanted full rations. He, with some 
others, got one of the books of the rules and regulations of 
the army, and in that learned that many things were included 
in the commissariat of the army, and when they were to be 
had were to be issued instead of other things. They did not 
read it so, but that they were to be issued with the other 
things, so they entered complaint that they were not getting 
their allowance. So to satisfy them, said artificer was 
appointed acting commissary sergeant, and placed in charge 
of cookhouse. But a few days was enough ; the new com- 
missary could not get any more than others had, and they 
could not run the cookhouse, and gave it up, and again Byrnes, 
Kimball and Wilkins wielded the carving knife and ladle. 

At about this time another affair had come up at head- 
quarters. A letter from a non-commissioned officer to his 
brother in Boston asking his aid to get transferred to some 
other organization, was by him sent to the Governor, and by 
him to the Secretary of War, then to the General command- 
ing this division, who sent for him and caused an investiga- 
tion to be made, which resulted in the papers being endorsed 
not proven and returned, arid the gunner being reduced and 
put in another detachment. 

Also the same date says that one of our men in hospital 
came to camp and when he went back Sergt. Akerman, 
Privates Kenniston, Goodwin and Tibbets went back with 
him, making nine men gone to hospital. 

December 27. Sunday, about 9.30 P.M., we heard ahorse 
galloping and stopped at the gate of the fort, challenged the 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 4 1 

guard, went in, and soon, Lieut. Whitaker came to the park 
and called a sergeant and ordered the Battery to be ready to 
march immediately ; tents left standing, with knapsacks left 
in them. For some cause we had no grain. As there was 
no help for it, we put hay on our caissons and were soon 
ready. At 12 we started, and after passing Fort Buffalo we 
took a wood road ; it was very rough — stumps, holes and 
mud. After various adventures, at 4 A.M. we halted, and at 
daylight placed our guns in position, covering the roads 
centering at a place called Annandale. The day was pleas- 
ant, and we passed a very comfortable day, and at 9 P.M. we 
returned to camp. This day's change in our camp-life did its 
good, although we were twelve hours late. 

After we were settled in camp, we commenced drill and 
target practice for the first time, and soon gained some 
proficiency. Our target was 10 x 10 feet at 850 yards. 

January 15, 1863. We are paid off for two months today. 
,r , nnn We are all pretty poor, and the allotment that 

Jan. 15,1863. , , y , M -«i , * • i 

many have made leaves but little to be received 
here. Some are fearing the allotment is not a safe way of 
sending money home, and are growling about it, but it was 
all right and proved so. 

January 18. Gen. Abercrombie reviewed the brigade in 
heavy marching* order. Capt. De Vecchi, wishing to have as 
large a command as possible, mounted company clerk, stable 
sergeant, and every man possible, and as he paraded them, 
called them his "staffed All went well till we were in line, 
when something was forgotten, and the stable sergeant was 
sent back for it; he had a fine mount and was a good rider. 
4 



42 HISTORY OF THE 

As he started in a hurry, the bounding of his overcoat on the 
saddle frightened the horse, and he ran, kicked, and for an 
eighth of a mile there were mostly heels in the air ; and in the 
infantry camp, opposite the fort, Lowell was thrown, horse 
and all in a heap. The horse, regaining his feet, kicked till 
he kicked his saddle off, and one or two tents into the pile. 
Captain's staff was reduced by one at that review. 

January 24. A letter of this date says there is trouble in 
camp. A non-commissioned officer placed under arrest; 
cause, whisky. Also, a man who had caused the Captain 
some uneasiness, received a letter under the frank of a 
Member of Congress. He called him to headquarters, 
ordered him to open it, and asked, " What is it?" It was 
handed to him. He saw it was a pass to visit Washington, 
from the War Department. He would not countersign it, 
but took the ambulance and went to Washington and 
resigned his commission ; came back the second day, turned 
over his command to Lieut. Erickson, and went back to 
Washington. The causes that brought about these results 
cannot be ascribed to any one person or event, but can be 
traced as commencing at Camp Chace in October, and a 
desire to keep near Washington, and fear that he would not 
be able to keep his command, as the Battery was not realizing 
the expectation of the authorities in Massachusetts. 

January 27. A letter written today says : " There is great 
relief in camp now that Capt. De Vecchi has resigned- 
nearly all the rank and file were glad, and it was contagious 
at headquarters. Officers and men felt the change, hope 
sprang up where indifference had been." In the afternoon 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 43 

the order placing Lieut. Erickson in command by order of 
Gen. Abercrombie, was received and read. Headquarters 
shook off its inertia, and the non-commissioned officers, to a 
man, were zealous to aid him in all their duties. 

A great deal of storm at this time prevented active drilling 
in the field, but whenever the fields were good we had our 
regular work, and at other times men and horses were 
exercised in bareback riding. 

Another movement, not in the books. The sutler had a 
negro at work for him, turned him off and would not pay 
him. Some of the boys thought it was not right. At 7 P.M. 
there was a shout and the sound of tearing canvas. The 
sutler ran out calling, " Captain ! Captain ! Sergeant ! Major ! " 
and all was still. A guard was posted in the tent and all was 
quiet. At 9 P.M. a few strokes of axes and down came the 
whole shebang. At the sound of the crash the sergeant of 
the guard came out and fired his revolver into the air. 
Through some cause one of the guards, Zimri Whitney, was 
scratched over the ear, said to be a shot from a revolver — 
the first blood drawn. We generously helped the sutler to 
pick up, and cider, coffee-pots and frying-pans were plenty in 
camp afterward. The next morning Lieut. Erickson sent 
the sergeant of the guard and took a Government horse from 
him that the Captain had sold him. The horse was one some 
cavalry had turned adrift as unserviceable from saddle gall. 
We had cured it, and it was one of the few horses that went 
through the war; was used by an artificer. 

February 15. Each of the two first lieutenants hoped to 
be commissioned captain, and the sergeant of the right gun, 



44 HISTORY OF THE 

who had seen service in another battery, also talked about 
himself as a candidate for the position, claiming neither of 
the lieutenants were fit for it. He urged some of the men to 
sign a petition for his appointment, but did not get any 
names. Both of the first lieutenants talked with some of the 
men. Lieut. Erickson kept us busy when the weather was 
suitable, at drill, and when the roads were very muddy we 
were mounted and took exercise at bareback riding. He 
could do little but keep us in good condition for emergencies. 
Letters of this date say a petition to have Lieut. Erickson 
appointed captain, signed by all but five in the Battery, was 
sent to Gov. Andrew today. 

February 20. News of the appointment of Lieut. John 
Bie;elow as captain arrived in camp. John Bigelow 

Feb. 20. . . 

enlisted as a private April 24, 1861, in the 2d Bat- 
tery ; was elected second lieutenant May 15; was mustered 
into the U. S. service July 31, 1861 ; served in Baltimore 
and in Eastern Virginia during the autumn. December 16, 
received the appointment of adjutant of the 1st Maryland 
Battalion of Artillery, in which he served through the penin- 
sular campaign ; at Malvern Hill his left arm was shattered. 
Rejoining the army in the autumn, he was with Burnside at 
Fredericksburg, contracted malaria and was obliged to go 
home. Afterward was annoyed so much at the comments of 
the papers and people on the conduct of the war, that he 
went to Gov. Andrew and tendered his services again, but 
declined to raise a new battery, and preferred service in the 
field. He says: "Three or four days after, in looking over 
the papers, I saw my appointment to the command of the 9th 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 45 

Battery. The following Monday I visited the Adjutant Gen- 
eral to learn the whereabouts of the Battery and look over its 
roster. I then, called the second time on the Governor. He 
saluted me with, ' Well, Bigelow, you see I need your assist- 
ance.' I thanked him for the confidence manifested, and 
asked if my appointment would not interfere with promotions 
some of the officers might be entitled to. He replied, ' Do 
not in the least entertain such a thought for a moment. No 
finer body of men ever left this State, but they have been 
unfortunate in their commanding officer, who being a for- 
eigner, does not understand their ways. They have caused 
me great anxiety and annoyance ; you will find them thor- 
oughly demoralized ; they require an officer of experience ; 
they need discipline ; your work will be difficult. If you 
succeed, you shall have the fullest credit and my thanks.' ' : 

This was the record of the 9th Massachusetts Battery in 
Boston, with which Capt. Bigelow started from Massachusetts. 
Arriving in camp February 28, he was somewhat surprised 
at the cordial greeting of the officers and the general prompt- 
ness of the men in their duties. The first day in camp was 
Sunday ; inspection in quarters, knapsacks, clothing and 
camp generally. The most attention was paid to the care of 
the clothing and packing of knapsacks, and did us good. 
Monday, the first general order gave us eight roll calls per 
day, all by bugle. Our camp, from headquarters to stables, 
felt a new influence. The commander's example at head- 
quarters was as good as his order, and stable call brought 
him to the stables, as well as the officer of the day, sergeants 
and drivers. We are never without grain now, and our 



46 HISTORY OF THE 

horses are in good condition ; the good sense and persever- 
ance of our stable sergeant, Nelson Lowell, had driven hoof 
rot and scratches out of our camp. Our many inspections 
were thorough, and we feel that we are making rapid strides 
toward a position in which we can be efficient in any place 
we may be called to fill. The many changes that have been 
made in the cookhouse have been a benefit to us, and now 
we have plenty of food and well-cooked. One day Capt. 
Bigelow took a regimental surgeon about camp, and to the 
cookhouse. After inspecting the food and utensils, he 
turned to Capt. Bigelow and said, " I know now why you have 
so little sickness in camp ; your food is well-cooked and that 
is why your command is so healthy." 

About this time we thought we had a thief in camp. He 
was caught, and ornamented the top of the magazine in the 
fort, with a barrel for an overcoat, from reveille to retreat. 
The cure was complete. 

While we were in Camp Barry, a small boy of ten or eleven 
came to our camp and wished to stay. He ran away from 
home somewhere in the West, and was ill-used in the organ- 
ization he came out with. The orderly sergeant took him, 
and he used to take care of his horse ; he would stand on a 
pail and clean as high as he could reach, then get on the 
horse's back and finish. He was contented and smart. 

The winter had been like all Virginia winters, some mud, 
some frost, more mud, some rain, more mud, some snow, 
more mud — not one fourth of the time could we drill. Our 
fatigue work was not very hard after our stables and stockades 
were built. Guard duty was light, mounting about four guards. 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 47 

March 2. The following letter was dated : 

" Headquarters 9TH Massachusetts Battery, 

March 2, 1863. 
To Copt. Slipper, A. A. G. 

As the artillery organization allows a battery but two artificers, 
and the repairs incidental to service in the field makes the old 
allowance of six absolutely necessary, f would respectfully request 
the appointment of the following extra duty men : 



Nelson Lowell, . 
G. Frank Boston, 
George B. Morse, 
Charles Simmings, 
Henry F. Dearborn, 
Charles E. Lord, 
Charles H. Bricket, 



Stable Sergeant 

Saddler 

. Blacksmith 

Wheelwright 

Mule Driver 



Respectfully submitted, 

JOHN BIGELOW." 

The letter is endorsed, "Capt. 9th Mass. Battery, Head- 
quarters Abercrombie's Division, Mar. 2, 1863. This detail 
can be made. By order of Brig. -Gen. Abercrombie. J. A. 
Slipper, A. A. G." 

There seems to be some confusion in regard to the 
artificers. Sometimes a man was artificer by appointment 
and rank, and again lie was by detail as extra duty; then by 
detail as assistant. Three men cared for the forge, G. B. 
Morse, Edward Rouse, and Walter Lee. The last named was 
detailed as assistant, and quietly filled the place through the 
term of our service. 



48 history of the 

Headquarters Abercrombie's Division, 

Arlington House, Va., Mar. 29, 1863. 
Circular (Extract). 

Information has been received of an intention on the part of the 
Rebels to make a raid this week along the line between the Rappa- 
hannock and upper Potomac, etc. 

By order of Brig.-Gen. Abercrombie, 

J. A. SLIPPER, A. A. G. 

Several of these expected raids during the winter kept 
us on the alert; several times we were ordered to be 
in readiness to move, and sometimes were harnessed all 
night. 

March 9. At retreat the centre section was ordered to 
s;o to Miner's Hill, about two miles north, occu- 

Mar 9 

pying quarters already built by nth Mass. Bat- 
tery. We are regular about rations and feed now; no 
danger of our having to march without grain. 

We have been fitting for the field, and our guns, carriages, 
harnesses, equipments and clothing have been thoroughly 
examined and put in repair, and we are in the best condition 
for marching we ever were in. 

When we came to Fort Ramsey we were in a bad state; 
some of the best men were discouraged, and some were 
reckless ; a few believed we should come out good for some- 
thing yet. Capt. De Vecchi liked his ease and would have 
it, and in consequence his quartermaster and commissary 
took theirs also, and the men were all affected by it. Some 
were beats by habit, some were discouraged and tried to 
shirk, and some tried to be sick; some growled; — one man 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 49 

growled so much that he got the name of "growler," and 
carried it home. We had our share of these, as all organiza- 
tions had some. Early in the winter, Sergt. Akerman, 
Privates Kenniston, Goodwin, and one or two others, were 
sent to hospital in Washington. In February the sergeant 
of the right detachment was reduced to the ranks for 
drunkenness; soon after was sent to the hospital. About 
April i, the two sergeants were discharged, and others 
promoted. Some of the others, Kenniston, Goodwin and 
Tibbets, came back and were good soldiers. 

As the weather grew warmer, our commander found out- 
camp was so bad that it would be dangerous to the health of 
the company. Our park was an old cavalry camp, and was 
never cleaned out. We commenced the work of find- 
ing the earth, which had from four to six inches of 
manure on it, and had made good progress in carting it 
off, when orders came to break camp and go to Centreville. 
The centre section returned to camp about the 12th of 
April. 

April 15, orders were received detaching us from Gen. 
Abercrombie's command and assigning us to Col. Sickles' 
brigade of Pennsylvania Reserves, and April 16, orders came 
to report to Gen. Abercrombie at Centreville. 

April 17, at 7.10 A.M., we hauled out of park at Fort 

Ramsey, were joined by the other section at the 

Leesburg and Alexandria road, went over the 

same road we were on in December, and passed Annandale 

and Fairfax Court House, halted three fourths of an hour for 

rest and to feed, and arrived in 



50 



HISTORY OF THE 



CENTREVILLE, VA., 

at 3 P.M. We had shelter tents issued to us before we left 
Fort Ramsey, and we left our A tents standing. We found 
the tents of the nth Massachusetts Battery standing here, 
which we pitched in a new park. Soon after, Gen. Aber- 
crombie came here and took command, and we saluted him. 




Sunday, April 27, we held a short service in a Rebel fort, 
built in '61. The service was led by Lieut. Erickson, who 
was assisted in the exercises and singing by Sergts. Dodge 
and Baker, Corps. Hall, Sullivan, Reed, Park, and others. 
All were orderly and attentive. Exercises consisted of read- 
ing Scripture, prayer, and singing. 

At this post was the Keystone Battery, and April 29 we 
had target practice with them. At three fourths of a mile 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 5 I 

for smooth bores, and one and one fourth for rifled, it was 
said ours were the best shots. 

May 4, Sunday service in the fort by chaplain of 126th 
New York; his text, "Jesus." First, description of the 
man; second, power; third, promises; fourth, what he asks 
of us. Before night we had orders to be ready to march; 
harnessed, and remained in harness all night, and slept in 
our overcoats. 

May n, Sunday service conducted by Lieut. Erickson, 
assisted as before. We are building a masked battery com- 
manding the Warrenton road, for two guns. It was a strong, 
neat affair, nicely turfed. 

May 12. We receive four months' pay today, and some of 
the boys astonish their friends by sending photographs of 
their bronzed faces, many of which have changed much in 
the nine months' service. Gambling is not so open, and 
apparently not so common as when we were paid before ; 
certainly not so much whisky. 

May 17. Letters of this date say: "We seem to be fixed 
here for the present. We are called the pet of 
Gen. Abercrombie, and are kept near him. 

Our camp at Centreville will be remembered as the best 
camp ground we ever had ; sloping just right for drainage, 
dry soil, a fine season of the year, good water and a stone 
oven. We had good neighbors also — a brigade of New 
York troops, among which was that regiment known as 
" Garibaldi Guards," and a brigade that Gen. Miles surren- 
dered at Harper's Ferry, and were under a cloud, but who 
redeemed themselves under Gen. Hayes at Gettysburg. 



52 HISTORY OF THE 

The chaplain of one of the regiments, an energetic man, 
wanted a chapel. He found a barn that he thought would 
do, and the regiment marched down, took it up, and marched 
back to camp with it. We also found some beautiful fields 
of clover for our horses. 

Maj. Downs went to Washington and brought out some 
Boston crackers and cheese, among other things. Some of 
the boys smelled them, and during the midnight watches 
crept under the tent, took out the barrel of crackers and 
a cheese, and nothing was seen in the morning of either. 

June i. Lieut. Foster, Orderly-Sergt. Prescott and Pri- 
vate Alfred Morse left for Boston on recruiting service, but 
we never saw but one of the four recruits they enlisted. 

We are drilling enough to keep us in working order, and 
have fatigue enough to keep us healthy; yet some are 
uneasy, and want more active life. One, at least, applied to 
be transferred to a regiment of cavalry forming in Washing- 
ton. Within three weeks he had enough active service, and 
a shattered arm besides. 

About two miles southwest from camp were a large num- 
ber of Rebel barracks, covered with white oak shingles three 
feet long and from four to eight inches wide. We carted 
cords of them .to camp for firewood. 

June 9, Bartlett C. Edson was discharged by special order 
No. 242, War Department, " to receive promotion," dated 
May 30, and his name stands on the records as a corporal in 
Company F, 3d Regiment, H. A. 

June 10. Edwin H. Babson died of congestion of the 
lungs, caused by fever and ague. He was sick but two days. 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS RATTERY. 53 

He was nineteen years old, an excellent soldier, liked by all, 
officers and men. He was the first one we laid away, and 
we gave him a comrade's burial. At sunset his remains 
were laid on a caisson, covered with the flag and drawn by 
six horses, led by comrades, to the grave under an apple tree, 
near headquarters. The procession was led by the guard 
detailed for the day, and a regimental band of the post, and 
followed by all the company. " Slowly and sadly we laid 
him clown," and as his remains were lowered, the customary 
salute was fired from revolvers. The grave was marked by a 
tablet of red sandstone, well carved and lettered by one of 
our own men. His remains were afterwards removed to 
Massachusetts. 

June 15. Sunday was quiet till about 3 P.M., when we 
saw in the southwest a heavy cloud of dust and smoke arising, 
which was the first intimation of any movement of the 
armies. 

Soon after, Gen. Howard, with the 1 ith Corps, came in and 
camped in the vicinity. From this time till the 24th, troops 
and trains were coming and going. Maj. Downs' establish- 
ment was very tempting to some of the 2d Corps. We 
were ordered out to protect him, and held about two acres of 
them at bay for a few minutes, until a brigade of infantry 
under Gen. Hayes marched in and relieved us. 

Thursday, June 25, we break camp at 6 A.M., and march 

to Fairfax Court House, there to find every- 

oUDG ZO. , . . ,,,, ., . ~ ... 

thing in motion. While we were at Lentreville 

we had 1,500 rounds of ammunition, which we turn in to 

the ammunition train here, and we are in light marching 



54 HISTORY OF THE 

order. At u A.M., we wheel into column and start 
north. 

It was a hard march. Many of the batteries were like 
ours, having done garrison duty for some time, and were 
green in marching. The halts were frequent, and the gaps 
in the column also, and towards night the orders to " close 
up" came faster and more emphatic. Many men had blis- 
tered feet and were giving out ; some horses were showing 
signs of playing out ; guns and caissons were separated by 
casualities ; cannoneers were left behind. But we finally 
arrived in camp, near Edwards' Ferry, about 10 P.M., having 
covered about thirty-three miles. It was dark and muddy in 
camp, and we were too tired to get supper. At daylight in 
the morning officers and sergeants began to look for their 
guns, caissons and men ; we were all there, although our 
camp was not very orderly. Feed, breakfast, and a few 
changes of horses, and we were ready to move. We find we 
are in the reserve artillery of the Army of the Potomac, Gen. 
Tyler commanding, and the First Volunteer Brigade, Lieut. - 
Col. F. McGilvery commanding. The brigade is made up 
of the 15th New York, Capt. Hart; F and G Pennsyl- 
vania, Capt. R. B. Rickets ; 5th Massachusetts, Capt. 
Phillips ; 9th Massachusetts, Capt. John Bigelow. 

Friday, 26th. Crossed the Potomac on the lower pontoon 
bridge, at Edwards' Ferry, and camped about a mile from 
the river. Here we received the last mail that some of us 
ever received. 

Saturday, 27th. We take our line of march through 
Poolsville, over the northerly side of Sugar Loaf Mountain, a 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 55 

rough road, and passed the wreck of many an ambulance 
and baggage wagon. We passed through Frederick City, 
finding at the doors buckets of water for the thirsty ones, 
and camped about one mile beyond, at 9 P.M. Our ambu- 
lance broke down on the mountain and they had to stay 
there all night, arriving in camp at 10 o'clock Sunday morn- 
ing. Here we turned in our knapsacks, and reduced our 
baggage to one change of underclothing, overcoat, one 
blanket and shelter tent. 

Monday, the 29th, about 9 A.M., the column started 
through Walkersville and Woodsboro, and camped near 
Middleburg at 8 P.M. 

Tuesday, 30th. At 10 A.M. took our line of march about 
seven miles to Taneytown, went in camp in the afternoon, 
and remained here until July 2. Rumors of fight- 
ing reached us the day before, and when we again 
took the road north we soon began to meet trains and men 
coming back, saying there had been fighting the day before, 
and would be more. 

About 10 A.M., we could hear the occasional discharge of 
artillery ; we soon came in sight of bursting shells. A little 
in front of us a caisson blew up, killing one man, tearing his 
face entirely off. As we passed up on the Taneytown road 
to Gettysburg we left the Round Tops on the west, bringing 
the fighting on our left. We turned to ihe right, through 
those narrow and rough roads, and again to the right, into a 
field west of Spangier's barn, going in park before noon. 

The firing seemed to be from the south toward the north, 
but occasionallv a shell would come towards us, bursting 



56 HISTORY OF THE 

short ; the Taneytown and Emmittsburg roads being at this 
place about one and one quarter miles apart, and we were 
one half mile east of the Taneytown road. Spangler's barn 
was taken for a hospital, and a large number of Rebel 
wounded were there; some of the boys went there and saw 
them. Our teams were watered, not more than one or two 
batteries being unhitched at one time. We were soon fed, 
and dinner eaten, and we watched the increasing artillery fire. 

Thus passed the time till about 4 P.M. Our place in the 
park was on the left and rear, and in the southwest corner of 
the field, nearest the part of the line of battle occupied by 
Gen. Sickles' 3d Corps. A little after 4 P.M., an aid-de- 
camp rode up to the wall near the left piece of our battery, 
and enquired for Col. McGilvery, commanding the brigade, 
and said, " Capt. Randolph, chief of artillery of the 3d 
Corps, sends his compliments and wishes you to send him 
two batteries of light twelves." Col. McGilvery turned 
around and said : " Capt. Hart and Capt. Bigelow, take your 
batteries and report to Capt. Randolph." 

At the order "Attention," we all sprang to our places and 
cleared our guns of grain, for action, and immediately filed 
out of the field at the corner nearest to us. We skirted 
fields, followed by-roads, and halted in a field southeast of 
Trostle's house. We were ordered to double up, I suppose 
to gain time in starting. Shells were flying over our front, 
and bursting in the air. As we sat waiting for orders, Lieuts. 
Erickson and Milton asked permission to ride to the line of 
battle ; the Captain, bowing assent, turning to Lieut. Whit- 
aker said, "They will see enough before night." 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 57 

As this was the first time that most of us had been under 
fire, the experience was new and untried ; but we were all 
calm and many realized that perhaps it was the last time we 
should be all together. One man went to another from the 
same place and said, " Sergeant, if I am killed, I want you to 
get my watch and money, and send to my wife; and there's 
seven dollars that F. owes me, get that, too." But he escaped 
unharmed, the sergeant wounded, and F. killed. 

Soon the order was "Forward," and we filed into a lane 
by Trostle's house, then turned to the left through a gate- 
way. Before the left piece was through, the order rang out : 
"Forward into line, left oblique. Trot!" (See frontispiece) 
and before the left piece was in line, " Action front ! " 
The distance across the field is about 300 yards, up a gradual 
slope to a road so little traveled as to be marked by fences 
more than anything else. The right piece was about ten 
yards back from the road ; the left piece was in the road 
(fences were all down). 

As the Captain rode down the line he found the left section 
so far down as not to be able to sight their guns on anything. 
He ordered, "Left section limber to the rear; by the left 
flank, march !" and on the right of the line went in battery; 
so that our line during the engagement was as follows from 
the right : fifth piece, sixth, first, second, third, fourth, and 
the lieutenants were on the right, Whitaker, then Erickson, 
and Milton, who was in command of the centre section (Lieut. 
Foster being in Massachusetts), and Quartermaster Reed in 
charge of the line of caissons. Our position was between the 
Peach Orchard and Wheat Field, on the left of the 5th Massa- 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 59 

chusetts Battery, and nothing in sight on our left. The 
position was swept by Confederate artillery, and some were 
wounded while going in battery. 

Our first orders were to shell a piece of woods which con- 
cealed three batteries of eighteen guns. What effect our 
firing had on them we do not know; but their fire seemed to 
slacken somewhat. Very soon we were ordered to shell 
Rose's barn to dislodge some sharpshooters. 

It has been a current report among our battery members 
that we killed over one hundred men at this place, and 
one field officer. In a letter of Gen. L. McLaws, dated 
Oct. 7, 1886, he says: "Col. McGlosbein, 50th Georgia 
Regiment, of Semme's Brigade, tells me that his regiment 
lost one third of its men by artillery fire, including its 
commander." The time and place indicate this time and 
place. 

This shelling greatly aided the brigade that were in the 
woods in front of the Wheat Field, in which were the 18th and 
22d Mass. Regiments. Kershaw on the right and Barksdale 
on the left moved out together, and broke Sickles' line at 
Peach Orchard; then Kershaw inclined to the right and 
Barksdale to the left, and when they appeared in our sight, 
Kershaw's left flank was on our right front ; Barksdale's right 
was on our right flank. Kershaw having passed the Peach 
Orchard, halted to reform his lines about 700 yards distant. 
Col. McGilvery ordered us to shell them, and it was a fine 
target, and the case shot burst finely in their front. They 
were in two lines of battle and must have suffered from our 
fire. They threw out a heavy line of skirmishers against us, 



60 HISTORY OF THE 

forming a solid single line covering our battery front, after 
we commenced to retire by prolonge. 

The skirmish fire was very sharp and we were losing 
heavily. Col. McGilvery ordered Capt. Bigelow to " limber 
to the rear and get out." He replied, " I shall lose all my 
men in limbering up, but would retire by prolonge instead." 

As we commenced retiring, Barksdale's brigade emerged 
from the Peach Orchard about 400 yards on our right, and 
halted to reform their lines. Capt. Bigelow says, " I directed 
Milton (left section) to keep back Kershaw's skirmishers 
with canister, and Erickson and Whitaker to throw solid 
shot into Barksdale's lines." To keep clear of our fire, 
Bafksdale moved well to our right, the greater part of his 
men going west of Trostle's barn, while the 21st Miss. 
Regiment (Humphrey's) was detached and came clown the 
road on our right and front. The line of the regiment was 
so long that Capt. Bigelow thought it was a brigade. 

As the recoil of our guns brought us to the rear of the 
field, we were somewhat troubled in working our guns by 
large bowlders and the stone wall on our left and rear. 

Capt. Bigelow says: "Just as I was limbering up to go 
through the gateway and back to the ridge in my rear 
(Cemetery Ridge proper), Col. McGilvery dashed up and 
said, ' Captain Bigelow, there is not an infantryman back of 
you along the whole line from which Sickles moved out ; 
you must remain where you are and hold your position at all 
hazards, and sacrifice your battery, if need be, until at least 
I can find some batteries to put in position and cover you. 
The enemy are coming down on you now.' I immediately 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 6l 

ordered the guns unlimbered, the ammunition taken from the 
limbers and laid beside the guns. Hardly were the four 
guns double-shotted before the enemy appeared above a swell 
of the ground about fifty yards on my right and front. I 
became heavily engaged." 

The situation was not one an artillery officer would have 
chosen, as the ground on our front and right was much 
higher, and we could not see more than fifty or sixty yards 
in those directions ; neither was there room enough to work 
six guns at usual intervals ; and the ground was broken by 
bowlders, with heavy stone walls in our rear and left, with a 
gateway about in the rear of the second piece from the 
right. 

As soon as the enemy appeared over the ridge, they were 
received with a vigorous fire, some of which was with double 
canister ; but they were too near the prize to be stopped, and 
pressed on and received our fire not six feet from the muzzles 
of our guns. Then our cannoneers were driven at the point 
of the bayonet, and were shot down from the limbers. 

Soon after they appeared, Capt. Bigelow was shot and fell 
from his horse ; Lieut. Erickson was already wounded, and 
was hit again and fell dead near the right gun, and his horse 
went into the enemy's lines. Lieut. Whitaker at this time 
was shot through the knee, but kept his seat and rode off 
the field; Sergt. Dodge also fell here mortally wounded; 
Sergts. Murray, Fenton, Hirst and Baker were all wounded 
and were helpless for duty. 

Capt. Bigelow was raised up, and saw the enemy that came 
in on our flank standing on the limbers shooting horses, and 



62 HISTORY OF THE 

men, still serving their guns. But Col. McGilvery was ready, 
and he ordered, " Cease firing, and get back to our lines as 
best you can." Most of the wounded men who could, had 
left the field ; beside the instinct of self-preservation, some 
wished to relieve their comrades of caring for them. Capt. 
Bigelow's horse had run away when he fell ; he was lifted on 
his orderly's horse, and started for our lines nearly the way 
we came in, and encountered Watson's Battery (I, 5th U. S., 
probably) just in position. They called to him to hurry up, 
as they wished to open fire. He says, " I could not, and told 
them to fire away, which they did." 

On their right, Col. McGilvery had placed the 5th Mass., 
6th Maine; K, 1st N. Y. ; B, 1st Penn. ; 2d Conn.; 15th 
N. Y., Ind. ; G, Penn.; C, 4th U. S. ; and Rority's B, 1st 
N. Y. (Batchelders Map). 

The left section had been busy with Kershaw's line of 
skirmishers, and being farthest from the enemy on our right 
flank, they did not suffer so much in their horses or men, 
and when the final order came, they had nearly whole gun 
teams. A few top stones of the wall were toppled off, and 
the teams went over ; one gun partly overturned, but was 
righted by the aid of men from other pieces. 

The situation at this time was as follows : The right gun, 
the fifth, horses all killed and left fifty yards up the slope ; 
one driver killed ; sergeant and gunner wounded and gone ; 
two cannoneers wounded and one lying under the gun. The 
next gun, all but one horse killed ; sergeant wounded twice ; 
one cannoneer shot through the body, lying in the enemy's 
lines; one other bruised in the back; the limber overturned 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 63 

near the gateway. The next two guns, one sergeant 
mortally wounded, the other hit in the foot; five men 
killed, two wounded ; all horses killed. The left section 
lost one sergeant wounded and one man wounded ; gun 
teams with some wounded horses, but all went off the 
field. 

As one lieutenant and one sergeant were absent, Quarter- 
master Reed volunteered to take charge of the line of 
caissons and was hit in the neck. Also Stable Sergeant 
Lowell, on hearing that the boys were having a hard time, 
mounted and rode to the field, and tendered his services to 
the Captain ; he also was lying under his horse, which was 
shot. 

In leaving the field, the men were scattered ; some followed 
the two guns, and some the caissons, and some made their 
way back to the park of the reserve artillery ; and not until 
the next morning were they all together again, and it 
was known who were missing. The summing up is as 
follows : 

KILLED. 

Sen. First Lieut. Christopher Erickson. 
Sergt. 2d gun, Charles E. Dodge. 
Private ist gun, Henry Fen. 

" 1st " Adolph Lipman. 

" ist " Charles B. Nutting. 

" 2d " John Crosson. 

" 2d " Arthur Murphy. 

" 5th " James T. Gilson. 



64 HISTORY OF THE 

WOUNDED. 

Capt. John Bigelow, hand and side. 

Jun. 1st Lieut. Alexander H. Whitaker, knee; died July 20. 
Quartermaster Sergt. James W. Reed, Jr., neck, slight. 
Sergt. 1st gun, George Murray, foot, severe. 

" 4th " John L. Fenton, knee ; died in Baltimore, 
July 28. 
Sergt. 5th gun, Joseph Hirst, arm, severe. 

" 6th " Levi W. Baker, hip and shoulder, twice, severe. 

Augustus Hessie, arm, severe. 

J. K. Norwood, lungs, severe. 

John B. Stowe, lungs, severe. 

Samuel W. Barnard, leg, severe. 

Louis Langeleer, leg, severe. 

John A. McCarty, leg, severe. 

Austin Packard, wrist ; died Sept. 20, '63. 

Charles Downing, slight. 

James McDavitt, slight. 
Guidon, Thos. Fisher, slight. 

PRISONERS. 

Gunner William L. Dawes, escaped. 
Private Samuel Toby, exchanged. 

Of the action at this time Gen. Doubleday writes, in the 
sixth volume of the Campaigns of the Civil War: "At 
last it became necessary to sacrifice one of them, that of 
Bigelow, to enable the others to form a new line in the rear ;" 
also, "Kershaw captured them at one time" (which must be 



Gun 


r 5 th 


Pri. 


5th 


K 


6th 


<< 


1st 


<( 


5th 


<< 


3d 


t( 


1st 


<< 


4th 


t< 


3d 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 65 

a mistake) ; also, " Bigelow was ordered by Maj. McGilvery 
to sacrifice his battery to give the others time to form a new 
line. He fought with fixed prolonge until the enemy were 
within six feet of him, then retired with the loss of three 
officers and twenty-eight men." McLaws says, " One shell 
killed and wounded thirty men out of a company of thirty- 
seven." 

Also C. C. Coffin writes of the 2d of July : 

" I looked down upon the scene from Little Round Top. 
At 3 o'clock, the 3d Corps advanced until they had nearly 
reached the Peach Orchard of Sherfy. The 9th Mass. Bat- 
tery, Capt. Bigelow, accompanied them. The enemy was 
prepared. A battery opened on Longstreet's extreme right ; 
another and another, until the fire extended along the entire 
front line northward to the Cemetery. The cannonade was 
furious, disembowelling horses and tearing up the earth. 
The air was filled with strange unearthly noises, caused by 
the sharp whistling of rifled bolts and round shot, and the 
whirring noise of shells overhead and all around. 

" The response was immediate. In three minutes' time the 
earth trembled with the tremendous concussion of 200 pieces 
of artillery. Two lines of the enemy, preceded by skirmish- 
ers, came up. They numbered from 30,000 to 40,000 men. 
They advanced with cheers and yells. While Sickles held 
them in check, a division from Longstreet moved upon his 
left flank, and attempted to get between him and Round Top, 
which he rightly judged to be the key to the whole position. 
Sickles was furiously attacked upon his left, and the angle at 
the Peach Orchard where his line receded. In the meantime, 



66 HISTORY OF THE 

Longstreet was attempting to drive his men into the half 
mile that intervened between Bigelow and Round Top. 

" ' You must hold this position till I can get two batteries 
on the ridge,' were the orders of Maj. McGilvery, command- 
ing the 3d Corps Artillery, to Bigelow. ' Send up batteries 
and send up men,' was Sickles' request. The enemy were 
now close upon Bigelow's battery. The artillerists attached 
to the battery were nine months men and had never been 
under fire. [Note. — Evidently confounded with the nth 
Battery, Jones' nine months men, which was recruited at the 
same time.] 

" ' Give them grape and canister,' said McGilvery to Bige- 
low. Bigelow gave them all he had, and then commenced on 
spherical case. Men never under fire were expected to roll 
back the dense advancing lines. Up through the wheat came 
Barksdale's Mississippians. Great gaps were made in their 
ranks, but still they pressed on, reinforced by Wofford's 
Brigade. The Rebels were desperate. Sickles was further 
back toward the ridge. A Rebel battery hastened up and 
unlimbered close upon Bigelow. The Rebels rushed upon his 
guns. He blew them from the muzzles and filled the air with 
the shattered fragments of human bodies. Still they came 
on with demoniacal screams, climbing upon their limbers and 
shooting his horses. Five of his sergeants were instantly 
killed, three of his cannoneers were gone, twenty-two of his 
men were killed and wounded, and himself shot through the 
side ; yet he held on till McGilvery got his two batteries in 
position. He brought off five limbers and two of his pieces, 
dragging them in part by hand. The Rebels seized the four 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 6j 

pieces with shouts of victory, waving their flags, and came 
on for new triumphs. McGilvery's batteries drove them 
back by a flanking fire. At this time a fresh division of 
Sickles' Corps (Humphrey's) came up, another charge was 
made on the Rebels and the guns of Bigelow were recov- 
ered.'' 

In a book entitled Our First Century, written by R. M. 
Devens, in 1882, I find the following in the sketch of the 
battle of Gettysburg : 

"A fit illustration of the sanguinary character of the after- 
noon struggle already described is given by Mr. Whitelaw 
Reid, one of the gifted correspondents of the Cincinnati 
Gazette. Mr. Reid says : ' Some Mass. Batteries, Capt. 
Bigelow's, Capt. Phillips', and two or three more under Capt. 
McGilvery of Maine, were planted on the extreme left, 
advanced now well down to the Emmittsburg road, with 
infantry in their front — the 1st Division of Sickle's Corps. 
A little after 5, a fierce Confederate charge drove back the 
infantry and menaced the batteries. Orders were sent to 
Bigelow, on the extreme left, to hold his position at every 
hazard short of sheer annihilation, till a couple more batteries 
could be brought up to his support. Reserving his fire a 
little, then with depressed guns opening with double charges 
of grape and canister, he smote and shattered but could not 
break the advancing line. His grape and canister became 
exhausted ; and still closing grandly up over their slain, on 
they rushed. He fell back on spherical case and poured this 
in at shortest range. On, still onward, came the artillery- 
defying line, and still he held his position. They got within 



68 HISTORY OF THE 

six paces of his guns — he fired again. Once more, and he 
blew the soldiers from their very muzzles ; and still, mindful 
of that solemn order, he held his place. They spring upon 
his carriages and shoot his horses, and then, his Yankee 
artillerists still about him, he seized the guns by hand, and 
from the very front of that line dragged two of them off. 
The caissons were farther back ; five out of six were saved. 
That single company, in that half hour's fight, lost thirty- 
three of its men, including every sergeant it had, and the 
captain himself wounded." 

Such is the written history of our first engagement. 

In a book entitled A Complete Handbook of the Monuments 
and Indications and Guide to the Positions on the Gettysburg 
Battlefield, by J. Howard Wert, A.M., published in 1886, 1 
find the following of the appearance in front of the Union 
left, after the battle : 

" Emerging from the woods and ascending the highest 
swell in the rocky ridge, we find in a commanding position 
the elegant monument of the 18th Massachusetts. It stands 
in full view of the Rose house. From here there is an 
excellent view of the fields and woods, around which were 
the scenes of such desperate conflicts. The Wheat Field 
extends to the east ; west of us is the line of the Emmitts- 
burg road, less than one fourth of a mile distant ; and the 
location of the Peach Orchard is plainly visible. On a rising 
knoll, a short distance away, are the Rose buildings ; while a 
small, marshy stream flows between, and pursues its way past 
the spring house into the woods below. July 2, 1863, this 
stream was clogged with the dead bodies of Confederates cut 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 69 

down bv the fire of the infantry whose monuments we are 
viewing, and the terrible missiles of Bigelow's artillery, 
whose monument will shortly be described. Immediately 
after the battle were heavy rains, and in the valley, so much 
was the course of the stream obstructed, that great ponds 
were formed where the waters were dammed up by the 
swollen corpses of the Southern soldiery. The writer wan- 
dered over these fields immediately after the fierce strife had 
ceased, and the vivid impression of the horrible sights there 
beheld, can never be effaced from the memory. Death in its 
ghastliest and most abhorrent forms was everywhere. Fes- 
tering corpses at every step ; some still unburied, some 
hastily and rudely buried. All the fields and woods from the 
Emmittsburg road to the base of Little Round Top, were one 
vast hideous charnel house. In the garden of the Rose 
house, in full view, but a short distance from this monument 
(22d Mass.) nearly one hundred Rebels were buried. All 
around the barn, even within the house yards, within a few 
feet of the doors, were in numbers the scantily buried fol- 
lowers of the Confederate cause. Two hundred and seventy- 
five were buried behind the barn ; a Rebel colonel was buried 
within a yard of the kitchen door." 

Also Lieut. Hemenway, in his account of the action of the 
1 8th Regiment, says : " On our right was posted the 5th 
(a mistake for the 9th) Mass. Battery, whose guns, retiring 
by prolonge, delivered a terrible fire of grape and canister 
into the ranks of the advancing foe." 

Also from the same book, he says, in describing Peach 
Orchard and vicinity: "And first of all, we will pause where 



JO HISTORY OF THE 

stood Bigelow's Battery, amid a scene of slaughter that 
surpassed anything recorded of Lodi bridge or Marango 
ridge." 

Capt. Chas. A. Phillips, of the 5th Mass. Battery, which 
was next on our right, says : " About 5 o'clock the enemy 
succeeded in driving back the 3d Corps, and we were forced 
to retire. The left piece was brought off by hand. First 
Sergt. H. D. Scott was shot and severely wounded in the 
face while superintending this movement." 

In the paper of Gen. Henry J. Hunt, Chief of Artillery of 
the Army of the Potomac, published in the Century of De- 
cember, 1886, he says: "The breaking in of the Peach 
Orchard angle exposed the flanks of the batteries on its 
crest, which retired firing in order to cover the retreat of the 
infantry. Many guns of different batteries had to be aban- 
doned because of the destruction of their horses and men ; 
many were hauled off by hand ; all the batteries lost heavily. 
Bigelow's 9th Mass. made a stand close by the Trostle house 
in the corner of the field through which he had retired, fight- 
ing with prolonges fixed. Although already much cut up, 
he was directed by McGilvery to hold that point at all 
hazards until a line of artillery could be formed in front of 
the wood beyond Plum Run, that is, on what we have called 
the Plum Run line. This line was formed by collecting the 
serviceable batteries and fragments of batteries that were 
brought off, with which, and Dow's Maine Battery, fresh 
from the reserve, the pursuit was checked. Finally some 
twenty-five guns formed a solid mass, which, unsupported by 
infantry, held this part of the line, aided Humphrey's move- 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. J\ 

mcnts, and covered by its fire the abandoned guns on the 
field until they could be brought off, as all were, except 
perhaps one. When, after fully accomplishing its purpose, 
all that was left of Bigelow's Battery was withdrawn, it was 
closely pressed by Humphrey's 21st Mississippi, the only 
Confederate regiment which succeeded in crossing the run. 
His men had entered the battery and fought hand to hand 
with the cannoneers ; one was killed while trying to spike a 
gun, and another knocked clown with a handspike while 
endeavoring to drag off a prisoner. Of the four battery 
officers, one was killed, another mortally, and a third, Capt. 
Bigelow, severely wounded ; of seven sergeants, two were 
killed, and four wounded, or a total of twenty-eight men, 
including two missing; and eighty out of eighty-eight horses 
were killed and wounded. As the battery had sacrificed 
itself for the safety of the line, its work is specially noticed, 
as typical of the service that artillery is not infrequently 
called upon to render, and did render in other instances at 
Gettysburg besides this one." 

The following is an incomplete report of the part taken 
by the 1st Brigade Volunteer Division Artillery Reserve 
and other batteries under command of Maj. McGilvery, 
in the battle near Gettysburg, Penn., July 2 and 3, 
1863: 

The Brigade proper consists of the following named Batteries, 
viz.: 1. Batteries C and F, consolidated Penn. Artillery, Capt. 
Thompson ; 2. 9th Battery Mass. Vols., Capt. John Bigelow ; 
3. 5th Battery Mass. Vols., Capt. Phillips; 4. 15th N. Y. Ind. 
Battery, Capt. Hart. 



72 HISTORY OF THE 

Gen. O. R. Tyler, Commanding Artillery Reserve, A. P. 

General: — I have the honor to respectfully report that my brig- 
ade being in park at a central position near our line of battle, at 
about 3.30 o'clock, P.M., on the 2d of July, I received an order 
from yourself to report to Gen. Sickles with one light twelve- 
pounder and one rifled battery. 

I. The 5th Mass. Battery, Capt. Phillips, and 9th Mass. Battery, 
Capt. Bigelow, were marched immediately to a position occupied 
by Gen. Sickles near a belt of oak woods, considerably in front of 
the prolongation of the natural line of defences of our army, on the 
left centre, in which Gen. Sickles' command was then engaged with 
the enemy. By Gen. Sickles' order, I made an examination of the 
grounds, and placed the two Mass. Batteries in a position that 
commanded most of the open country between the woods held by 
our troops on the left centre, and the woods and high ground 
occupied by the enemy on their right. A New Jersey Battery 
immediately on the right of the two Mass. Batteries, was receiving 
the most of the fire of two or more Rebel batteries. Hart's 15th 
N. Y. Battery reporting at that time, I placed it in position in a 
peach orchard on the right and a little in front of the New Jersey 
Battery. The four batteries already mentioned presented a front 
nearly at right angles with the position occupied by our troops, 
facing toward our left, the fire of which I concentrated on single 
Rebel batteries, and five or more were driven in succession from 
their position. Capt. Thompson, C and F, consolidated Penn. 
Battery of my brigade, took position on the right of the 15th N. Y. 
Battery, two sections of which fronted and fired in the direction of 
those heretofore mentioned, and the right section fronted to the 
right, and opened fire on a section or more of Rebel artillery posted 
in the woods at canister range, immediately on the right of the 
batteries under my command, the enfilade fire of which was 
inflicting serious damage through the whole of my line. 

II. At about 5 o'clock, a heavy column of Rebel infantry made 
its appearance in a grain field about 850 yards in front, moving at 
quick time toward the woods on our left, where the infantry fighting 
was then going on. A well-directed fire from all the batteries was 






NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 73 

brought to bear upon them, which destroyed the order of their 
march, and drove many back into the woods on their right, though 
the main portion of the column succeeded in reaching the point for 
which they started, and sheltered themselves from the artillery fire, 
and in a few minutes another and larger column appeared at about 
750 yards, presenting a slight left flank to our position. I imme- 
diately trained the entire line of our guns upon them, and opened 
with various kinds of ammunition. The column continued to move 
on at double quick, until its head reached a barn and farmhouse 
immediately in front of my left battery at about 450 yards distant, 
when it came to a halt. I gave them canister and solid shot with 
such good effect that I am sure that several hundred were put 
hors de combat in a short space of time. The column was broken; 
part lied in the direction whence it came, part pushed on into the 
woods on our left ; the remainder endeavored to shelter themselves 
in masses around the house and barn. 

III. I visited the position after the battle, where this column in 
its confusion massed up around the house and barn heretofore 
mentioned, and found 120 odd dead belonging to three South Car- 
olina regiments. This mortality was no doubt from the effect of 
the artillery fire. 

IV. The asperities of the ground in front of my batteries was 
such as to enable the enemy's sharpshooters in large numbers to 
cover themselves within very short range. 

V. At about a quarter to 6 o'clock, the enemy's infantry gained 
possession of the woods immediately on the left of my line of 
batteries, and our infantry fell back both on our right and left, when 
great disorder ensued on both flanks of the line of batteries. At 
this period of the action all the batteries were exposed to a warm 
infantry fire from both flanks and front, whereupon I ordered them 
to retire 250 yards and renew their fire. The New Jersey battery 
mentioned, being out of ammunition, retired to the rear. The 15th 
N. Y. Battery also retired from the field. Capts. Bigelow and 
Phillips, who were under my observation about all the time, 
evinced great coolness and skill in retiring their batteries, ('apt. 
Phillips, with four men, hauled one of his pieces off by hand, every 



74 HISTORY OF THE 

horse on the limber having been shot down. It is a mystery to me 
how Capt. Phillips, Lieut. Scott and four men accomplished this 
work, as they were nearly surrounded and fired upon from almost 
every direction. Lieut. Scott was shot through the face. Capt. 
Bigelow retired by prolonge. 

A few of the incidents of the day are saved. At the time 
Kershaw's skirmishers were advancing on our position, and 
Col. McGilvery ordered to limber to the rear, W. J. Doe, the 
lead driver on the fourth gun, mounted and saw the enemy 
(Kershaw's skirmishers) creeping up the slope on their hands 
and knees, and they were not seen by the Colonel, who said, 
" Where are the enemy, Captain ? " The driver told him 
what he saw. He said, " For God's sake, depress your guns 
and double shot with canister ! " and about this time came 
the order to fix prolonge. 

Sergt. Dodge, second detachment, fell during the contest 
with the 2 1 st Mississippi. They had used all their ammunition 
but one solid shot, which was their last shot into a solid 
mass of the enemy. All their horses were lost. Lieut. 
Whitaker, who was on the right, received the first onset of 
the 2 1 st Mississippi. The right gun (the fifth detachment) 
had its sergeant and gunner wounded. One cannoneer and 
pole driver were trying to limber up, when the cannoneer 
(Norwood) was shot through the lungs ; no one else there, 
and the remaining horses shot. The enemy were on the gun 
and limber, and a color bearer mounted the limber and waved 
his flag. Norwood lay for some time under the gun, and 
Blaisdell, unharmed, remained with him, and, as the regi- 
ment advanced, went along with them, saying, " I want to 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 75 

get some water for a wounded comrade." He was not 
hindered, and came back, helped Norwood to go fifty yards 
to the shelter of a large tree and bowlder under it, where he 
lay and kept the wound wet all night. Norwood says after 
he was laid down beside the rock, the enemy rested their 
guns over it and fired ; also during the night he laid his hand 
on the face of a dead man lying beside him. In the morning 
he was helped into Trostle's house, and afterward to the 
Baltimore pike. Norwood says he owes his life to Blaisdell 
and cold water. 

The next gun lost its sergeant early in the engagement, 
and as the Battery commenced to retire, lost one of the pole 
horses ; but the driver, Cole, and the other horse, took the 
gun back, firing by prolonge until near the gateway, when 
the other horse was shot and the limber partly overturned, 
and a caisson going through the gateway struck it and com- 
pletely overturned it. Just here Lieut. Whitaker was shot 
through the knee. Three of the cannoneers were disabled, 
and the gunner was ordered to leave it and help the 
others. 

R. L. Willis, No. 6 on the left gun, whose post was serving 
ammunition from the chest, says : 

" As I was serving ammunition from the limber, I noticed 
at my left in the woods, then occupied by Kershaw's skir- 
mishers, a Confederate sharpshooter step from behind a tree, 
raise and sight his gun directly on me. My teeth shut 
together so that my jaws cracked, and I heard the bullet 
whistle just above and back of my head. I mechanically 
turned my head the other way and saw an officer fall from 



y6 HISTORY OF THE 

his horse in the battery on our right. [Time and place 
when Lieut. Scott of the 5th was shot.] 

"I saw Lieut. Erickson, as he passed near me, reeling in 
his saddle ; he was frothing at the mouth ; asked me for some 
water, drank nearly a canteenful. He afterward saw the 
right gun some distance to the rear and in danger of capture, 
rode up to it and was shot through the head; fell dead, his 
horse going into the enemy's line. The Battery kept well 
aligned in retiring till near the rear of the field, when the 
right gun was left behind, losing all their horses. Early in 
the action, at the right, I saw three men lying on the ground, 
and Gilson was filling his pipe. He fell over, struggled a 
moment, and was still, shot through the neck. On the third 
gun, Fen, No. 1, Crosson, 2, Smith, 3, and Murphy 4. Mur- 
phy fell as he was about to fire; Fen took the lanyard and 
was shot ; then Crosson stepped around to fire the gun and 
was shot ; Smith stepped over the trail and fired the gun. 
[I think this is not correct, and some were in the second 
detachment.] At the last we were in the northeast corner of 
Trostle's field and limbered up. We had two rounds of case 
shot left. We unlimbered and gave them the last two shots ; 
they quailed before them. We tumbled the top stones off the 
wall and went over. The enemy were around Trostle's house 
and barn. As we went back, some officer called to Lieut. 
Milton to place his guns in their line, but he had no ammu- 
nition." 

E. Cole, pole driver on sixth piece, says : " My near horse 
was shot and cut out, and as we commenced to retire, I led 
the off horse and guided the pole. The limber chest saved 






NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. JJ 

me; the cover was open in retiring and there were thirteen 
holes in it, and some in the chest. There were four car- 
tridges left. There seemed to be a body of the enemy on our 
right front, and at every discharge they were mown down 
like a swath. David Brett lost his cap and started back for 
it; John Ligal took him under his arm and carried him off. 
Also I caught the off lead and swing horses and led them off. 
S. H. Goodwin took the off swing horse on the caisson. 
After taking it to the rear, found a musket and tried to rally 
some of the boys to go back with him for the guns. In the 
evening, I saw some prisoners who said it was the hardest 
artillery fire they ever stood against. One man had five of 
our canister in various parts of him, and another said : 
'Never saw such men; you didn't know when you were 
whipped. We could have killed every one of you'ns, but we 
thought you had surrendered.' I think the column that 
recaptured our guns came from the direction of the Wheat 
Field. Lipman was shot through the forehead." 

John B. Stowe, No. I on sixth piece, says : " About the 
time we had orders to fix prolonge, I was shot through the 
body. I went to the rear about twenty yards and fell sense- 
less ; soon recovering consciousness, I heard the order to fall 
back. Corp. Whitney (Zimri) got me on my feet and tried 
to get me back with him. I could not help myself at all, and 
he was obliged to lay me down ; gave me his canteen full of 
water and reluctantly left me. I saw the enemy's line 
advancing, and watched them till they marched over me and 
halted at a stone wall near some woods ; and there they 
remained till dark, then fell back over me and threw out a 



y8 HISTORY OF THE 

picket line. I was left between the picket lines. There I 
was all night, with none but the dead, save now and then a 
ghoul in gray, searching the dead and stripping them of their 
clothing. If seen by our pickets, they were fired on and 
driven away. The night was long and dark to me ; I thought 
if the boys could they would come for me. Toward morning 
a man in gray came near me. He appeared to be looking 
about, but not trying to strip any bodies. He stood looking 
at me, and I put out my hand and touched his foot ; he 
jumped as if surprised ; he probably thought me dead. On 
recovering, he stooped down, asked me where I was shot, if I 
was cold, and got a rubber blanket and got it under me, and 
covered me with two of woolen. He sat by me some time 
talking, till it began to be light, then gave me his canteen of 
water, saying he must get back to his post. Daylight was 
welcomed, and with it the gray line advanced and occupied 
the position of the night before, and I was again inside the 
enemy's lines. They opened fire, and the shot and shell 
came from all directions, and I almost gave up. I laid here 
till about 4 P.M., the third day, when I decided to try and 
move if I was killed. I made slow progress in crawling, but 
persevered till I reached the spring near the oak tree. As I 
approached, a picket on the enemy's outpost saw me, raised 
his hand, and no one fired at me, although the pickets were 
firing all the time. There I stopped, drank and rested. Still 
the leaden hail was dropping around me. Next, still on my 
hands and knees, I tried to reach the house (Trostle's), 
through which, as I entered, passed a cannon ball. The 
next day, the fourth, I was taken to the 2d Corps hospital, 






NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 79 

and that night, with thousands of others, lay uncovered 
through a heavy rain. July 5, Wm. Strong and Chas. Tibbets 
found me, and had me carried to a house on the road to the 
village. July 9, was taken to a church in the town, and the 
16th to McKim's hospital, Baltimore. I was struck under 
the arm, passing through lungs, breaking two ribs in passing 
out." 

Capt. Bigelow says : " I noticed, when near the right gun, 
that Gunner Hessie dropped flat on the ground after its 
discharge. I was about to severely reprimand him, when I 
discovered he was watching the effect of his shot under the 
smoke from the discharge. Resuming his place he con- 
tinued his firing." 

Stable Sergt. Lowell, being in charge of spare horses and 
forage, was left at the park in Spangler's field. He heard 
the Battery was having hot work, and mounted his horse and 
came on the field about the time the Battery commenced 
retiring by prolonge. On reporting to Capt. Bigelow, he 
said : " The chief of the sixth piece is wounded ; go and take 
charge of that gun." He says : 

" I found the No. 1 wounded and helpless ; No. 2, bruised 
by piece of shell ; the gunner and the five others serving the 
gun ; all the horses gone but the off pole horse, whose driver, 
E. Cole, was holding the pole yoke and guiding the horse, so 
that the limber kept out of the way of the gun. Near the 
gateway the other horse was shot, and limber overturned ; 
ammunition gone. I immediately joined the next serviceable 
gun, which was Gunner Wm. Tucker's, who was almost 
alone. I found three rounds of ammunition in the limber. 



80 HISTORY OF THE 

These I took in my arms to the gun, and they were used; 
I inserted them myself in the gun. Next, the left section 
were limbered up and were trying to get out. The right gun 
of the section was partly overturned, and I, with some others, 
righted it, and prevented the drivers from cutting traces and 
leaving ; the other gun was over the wall and making good 
time to the rear. 

" I had mounted old Tom to escape, when a Reb presented 
his musket in my face; 'Surrender, you damned Yankee.' 
Pictures of Libby and Andersonville flashed through my 
mind, as I reached round for my revolver, resolving to fight 
for it. Before my revolver was drawn, my horse fell, shot 
dead, and I was under him. I lay still, hoping to save 
myself. I remained quiet some time, as I could not help 
myself, and as the enemy were driven back, the first blue 
coat I saw, I called for help to get my horse off my leg, and 
although lame, I went back out of range, and lay down till 
morning, then commenced hunting for the remnants of the 
Battery. I begged a few hard tack, and about 10 o'clock 
found the Battery, and the first thing I heard was : ' Here 
comes another ; hallo, Sergt. Lowell' Well, I was as glad 
to see them as they were me. 

" Lieut. Milton ordered me to organize a gun detachment 
for one gun, as Sergt. Whittemore and myself were the only 
sergeants there. In the afternoon I went to Cemetery Hill 
with the gun." 

It is said that Samuel Toby was captured as he was pass- 
ing Trostle's house, and drawn in at a window ; was paroled 
at -Richmond, exchanged, and returned to the Battery. 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 8 1 

Corp. Adams, chief of the caisson of the first gun, says : 
" I noticed as we came up, an abandoned gun, and during 
the heat of the engagement, as the ammunition was giving 
out, Corp. Brown and myself brought eight rounds from that 
gun. It is said that John Ligal saved himself by braining a 
Confederate with his rammer head." 

Bugler Reynolds was watching the firing, and thought one 
of the gunners was firing too high, so called out, " Pint your 
gun a little lower, Bill." 

Much has been written about the action, and the part the 
9th Battery took in the engagement. Of the war corre- 
spondents of the press, both C. C. Coffin and Whitelaw Reid 
mention the part we took in the engagement, but their 
information, although written at the time, must have been 
from other witnesses than themselves. Their word pictures 
were graphic, and cheered our friends at home, and many a 
parent was comforted that their sons served in so heroic an 
engagement. 

In the Century Magazine for December, 1886, Gen. E. P. 
Alexander, Chief of Artillery in Longstreet's Corps, has an 
illustrated article in which is a view of the charge of Alexan- 
der's Artillery. Now it seems that if ever it was proper to 
speak of a charge of a battery, ours was a charge across 
Trostle's field; also before Petersburg in support of Gen. 
Chamberlain. 

Darkness and weariness prevailed ; firing ceased ; both 
sides inspected their own lines and withdrew or advanced as 
best secured their positions. The 21st Mississippi Regi- 
ment was withdrawn to the vicinity of the Peach Orchard, 



82 



HISTORY OF THE 



and both sides advanced their pickets to near Trostle's 
buildings. 

Our wounded men were scattered. Capt. Bigelow lay in a 
barn near where we crossed the Taneytown road. The 




writer lay in the basement of a barn in the rear of Little 
Round Top, and distinctly heard the yells of the enemy as 
they prevailed between the Round Tops, also the cheers of our 
boys as they drove them back ; and I thanked God for the 
cheering sound. I did not see any one of the 9th Battery 
boys, except Lieut. Whitaker at Baltimore, until December, 
at Brandy Station. 

Lieut. Milton was left in command of the Battery with one 
sergeant and four gunners. There was so little left that it 
was doubtful if we could remain a separate organization ; but 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 83 

Lieut. Milton showed so much energy in repairing damages 
and in equipping, that he reported for duty with two guns in 
the morning. All the men uninjured reported for duty, but 
as the detachments were so broken up, volunteers were 
called for to man the two guns for immediate service, and 
waited for orders until afternoon, when First Lieut. Macomber 
of a regular battery, with three guns, reported to him, saying, 

"Maj. wished you would report at Cemetery Hill at 

once." " I think I should report to you instead of you to 
me," was the answer. On Lieut. Macomber saying, "It is all 
right," he mounted his battery and broke from the right into 
call of piece, started for the hill, arriving just after Pickett's 
repulse. 

We were under a straggling fire the remainder of the day 
and night ; men fell around us, but we escaped. 

Our position was about midway in the line on the ridge 
between the Baltimore pike and the clump of trees toward 
which Pickett charged. The place is known as Zeigler's 
Grove. The next clay, the infantry, as well as ourselves, were 
troubled by sharpshooters in a barn, 600 or 800 yards in 
our front. The commander of the line in front of us asked 
the Lieutenant to dislodge them, and two or three well- 
directed shells made lively work of them and burnt the barn. 
Soon Gen. Meade and staff rode up full of wrath, inquiring 
by whose order the firing was done. We were not troubled 
any more by them. 

We had collected all the valuable part of our Battery, and 
Sunday, the 5th of July, we left Gettysburg, went 
to Littleton, arriving in Frederick City the 8th, 



8 4 



HISTORY OF THE 



reducing our equipment to a four gun battery. Those of the 
Battery left at Gettysburg were widely scattered ; some were 
in the 3d Corps hospitals on Rock Creek; several in a house 




on the Baltimore pike; some on the Taneytown road. Sam 
Toby was captured 'as he was passing Trostle's house, and 
pulled in the window. 

Second Lieut. R. S. Milton was promoted to be senior first 
lieutenant vice C. Erickson, killed ; and First Sergt. G. H. 
Prescott, who was at home on recruiting service, to be senior 
second lieutenant ; also July 20, Lieut. Foster, also at 
home, to be junior first lieutenant, and Quartermaster Sergt. 
Reed to be second lieutenant. 

Among the Battery papers are several letters in regard to 
the killed of the Battery, asking if their remains cannot be 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 85 

sent home. Also a number from the wounded, stating their 
condition and prospects of returning again. All are cheer- 
ful ; none regret their service at Gettysburg. 
Two letters received are here inserted : 

Boston, July 14, 1863. 
Lieut. R. S. Milton, Headquarters 9th Battery, Mass. Vols., 
Frederick City, Md. 
Please try to forward Erickson's body to widow. Will pay. 

J. W. Coolidge, 

Tract House, 28 Cornhill, Boston. 

P. S. I was going to telegraph, but the wires are broken at 

New York by rioters. Could not Erickson's body be exhumed and 

sent home ? The widow feels very, very anxious to have him 

buried by herself, even if he is so decayed as not to be seen. 

Yours truly, 

J. W. Coolidge. 

Boston, July 29, 1863. 
Capt. John Bigelow, 9th Mass. Battery. 

Dear Sir: — Alex. H. Whitaker, First Lieut. 9th Mass. Battery, 
wounded in the knee joint at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, arrived at 
my residence in Roxbury from the hospital in Baltimore, Md., on 
Friday, July 17, and died in consequence of his wounds on Monday, 
July 20. I have reported the case, enclosing surgeon's certificate, 
to the Adjt. -General at Washington, under date of July 27. 

I am yours very truly, 

Eben Alexander. 

Of the seventeen who were wounded, probably no two had 
the same experience, and the haps and mishaps of one will 
answer for others, and I will give my own experience after I 



86 HISTORY OF THE 

left the field. I received the compliments of the enemy the 
second time on my shoulder and left breast, while shelling 
Kershaw's line of battle, just before orders were given to fix 
prolonge. I found myself completely disabled, and was 
ordered to the rear. I tried to get my overcoat or blanket 
from my saddle, but could not. I was directed to the 3d 
Corps hospital on the Taneytown road, the east side of Little 
Round Top. It was rather hard getting along, but by sling- 
ing my left arm with my right, I was relieved, and although 
quite sore in my hip, where one of the enemy's balls was 
hidden, I made the best time I could to get out of range of 
the enemy's fire. 

The 3d Corps hospital was in and about a large bank barn. 
The operating table was a barn door laid on two barrels, and 
I noticed quite a pile of legs at one end, and arms at the 
other, and two or three surgeons were busily at work. My 
wounds were not immediately dangerous, and I sat on a 
stone to wait. A hospital steward, not busy, asked me if I 
was wounded. "There is a ball somewhere in my hip ; see 
if you can locate it ; " and running his hand over it, he found 
it about six inches from where it entered. " Can't you cut 
it out ? " " I think so," and taking a small case of instru- 
ments from his pocket, cut, and found it embedded near the 
joint of the hip. He took it out, dressed the wound with 
lint and water, took me to the basement of the barn and left 
me, bringing some beef broth after dark. About dusk, the 
action seemed to increase on the Round Tops, and I distinctly 
heard the yells of the enemy as they pressed back our men, 
and the enemy seemed to be coming nearer. For a moment 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 87 

I feared we were beaten, and in my helplessness turned to 
the Father of us all, and earnestly called on him to aid, that 
the right might prevail ; and soon thanks were given, as the 
yells ceased, drowned by the cheers of the 20th Maine Regi- 
ment. 

The night passed ; not much sleep. Having to keep the 
body in one position was not very easy, which, together with 
the constant groaning, made daylight welcome. 

At daylight, every man that could walk was ordered to 
start for the new hospital on Rock Creek. As the present 
place was unsafe, it was vacated, and one or two miles south- 
east, in a piece of woods on either side of the creek, I found 
a large number of tents pitched, and under a gun tarpaulin, 
in the artillery hospital of the 3d Corps, I made my home 
from Saturday to Wednesday morning, July 7. Four yards 
from our shelter ran Rock Creek, three yards wide, with 
three to six inches of water running over a stony channel, 
two feet below the bank we were on. Of my companions 
not one had I ever seen before, and like myself they could care 
for themselves. The most severely wounded — a ball through 
both thighs — was the most cheerful. Considerable rain fell, 
but Rock Creek was not full. 

Wednesday morning at daylight, orders were, "All that can 
walk start for Gettysburg town." It had rained all night ; 
Rock Creek was a torrent, impassable, and we were obliged 
to start, as the ground where we were would soon be flooded. 
We toiled on, scattering more and more, according to our 
ability to walk. One of the causeways on the Baltimore pike 
was covered with eight or ten inches of water, but the well- 



88 HISTORY OF THE 

known landmark, the brick gateway of the Evergreen Ceme- 
tery, then battered by cannon balls, was passed, and soon the 
village was entered. We were directed to the Christian 
Commission room, and coffee and sandwiches refreshed us. 
About midday it began to clear off, and a train of commissary 
and hospital stores was being unloaded, and was soon filled 
with wounded and started for Baltimore. The accommoda- 
tions were not the best — a box car with a wet floor we had. 
Our first stop was Hanover Junction, and we met a grateful 
people ; good coffee, sandwiches and cakes were brought ; 
old men, women, boys and girls welcomed us. It was late in 
the afternoon when we left. The train stopped at two other 
places after dark, and we were bountifully supplied. We 
arrived in Baltimore about 2 A.M., and the Union part of 
the city was awake. We were served with coffee, and our 
wounds were washed and dressed ; the first time for thirty-six 
hours. Shops, stores, houses were opened, and we were 
made welcome ; but the hospitals of Baltimore were full 
already, and we that could must go farther north. 

While waiting for the train, some one told me that an 
officer of a Massachusetts battery was in a hospital near. 
Acting at once, I found Lieut. Whitaker lying in bed with a 
shattered knee, the first I knew he was wounded. I remem- 
ber just how he looked : his knee was raised, his face flushed, 
feverish and restless. I could do nothing, but found a brother 
Mason and sent to him. Immediately the train started. In the 
afternoon we arrived in Philadelphia, and again at the old 
cooper shop we were refreshed. Here I met a brother of 
Corp. Brown, passing on to Washington as fast as possible. 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 89 

Again the train is ready and we rolling north again. All 
this time I was a passive passenger, going 1 knew not where. 
A tedious night passed, and about daylight the train stopped 
at the Centre street station, Newark, N. J. I was assigned 
to ward six ; one end of the room overlooking the station, the 
other a wharf on the Passaic, and miles of the river and 
country beyond. We had a good surgeon and an old soldier 
of the regular army for nurse. During my stay of six months 
I could have a pass every day if wanted, and was out a great 
deal. Within a week a large number were missing, having 
taken a furlough without leave. 

After the first month, I was only troubled by the wound 
in my hip. Many worse wounds than mine were healed, and 
in September orders were issued for an examination of those 
to be sent to the front. I reported with others, and told 
them I wanted to go to the front. I was laughed at, and 
told, " You never can do service at the front ; you must go in 
the Invalid Corps." Well, I was not disappointed. I had 
tried at every opportunity for a furlough, and had the 
endorsement of the surgeon of the ward, but it did not come, 
and I would not leave without. They tried to detail me as 
nurse, acting hospital steward, hospital postmaster, but I 
knew I was fixed there if I accepted. I had many letters to 
aid me in getting a furlough, among others one from Geo. S. 
Boutelle, Member of Congress from my district, but I did 
not use it, as I felt that I had as good a right to a furlough 
as many others I knew, and I would have it by right if at all. 
About this time my wife and son, accompanied by my 
brother, visited me. Rev. E. P. Baker, being temporarily an 
6 



90 HISTORY OF THE 

agent of the Christian Commission, in a few hours took 
passage for the South, and for three days my pass was for 
twenty-four hours. 

I made several pleasant acquaintances in the city, and Rev. 
Mr. Mcllvine, chaplain at the hospital, invited me to his 
house, so 1 had no reason to be discontented. But I could 
not content myself, although the surgeon told me I was 
preventing my wound from healing. 

Finally, about the middle of November, I received a fur- 
lough. I went home and returned promptly on time, having 
a good sized valise filled for the boys at the front. On my 
reporting to the surgeon in charge, he said, " I suppose you 
are all well now ? " I told him, " I feel as well as ever I did, 
and I wish you would give me an order to report to the 9th 
Mass. Battery immediately." Showed him my valise of 
underclothes for the boys who were in need of them, and 
other reasons I gave. After a few words, he told me to 
report at noon, and he would give me an order to get my 
transportation in New York city, one half hour distant. 
Well, the dust of Newark did not stick to me long, as at 8 
P.M. I took passage for Washington, arriving at daylight, 
and at Brandy Station about 5 P.M., and the camp of the 
Battery about 8 P.M ; and about two weeks after my hip was 
healed. 

Again we are on the march with the army. We cross the 
Potomac at Berlin, July 16, and following on the 

^ " left flank of the enemy, we arrive at Warrenton, 
July 24 ; and August 1 finds us at Warrenton Junction, where 
we remain till September 17, when we camp at Culpepper. 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 91 

Lieut. Foster and First Sergt. Prescott having returned, the 
Battery is in good working order, but has no duty but 
marching. Again we retire, and October 11, we are near 
Rappahannock Station, and the 14th finds us at Centerville, 
with a possible third battle of Bull Run in prospect ; but with 
no fighting, we follow the enemy back to Warren ton the 
26th. November 8, at Kelly's Ford ; 26th, at Germania 
Ford ; 27th, Wilderness ; 30th, Locust Grove, taking part in 
the Mine Run campaign. December 2, returned to Brandy 
Station, remaining in the vicinity till the 13th, when we were 
ordered to go into winter quarters. 

MINE RUN. 

In the Mine Run campaign we took our part of mud, cold 
and rain, and at last, after we had bivouacked for the night, 
orders came that we were to march at 5 o'clock, and that we 
were the eighth battery in the column. The night passed as 
uncomfortable as any. At 5 our horses were fed and partly 
harnessed; men were busy over the fires, and Captain was 
waiting for the first battery to move, when an officer rode up 
and saluted with : " Capt. Bigelow, are you ready to move?" 
"Yes, sir." "Then file out at once and take that road," 
pointing toward the way we came. " I have been to eight 
batteries and none are ready, and I have placed their com- 
manders all under arrest." The Captain mounted, called 
attention, and there was busy work for a moment, and one of 
the pieces filed out, and in going into the road ran on a 
stump, and before it was cleared, the others were ready to 



92 HISTORY OF THE 

follow, and we took our place at the head of the column, 
saved our reputation, and had a better road. 

In reviewing the work of the Battery since it recrossed the 
Potomac, I learned but little. By endorsements on papers 
on file I find that Capt. Bigelow had returned to the com- 
mand of the Battery August 18, and on the same 

Aug. 18. . 

day was Col. McGilvery's order for cutting hair 
and trimming beards. Probably B. E. Murray, C. A. Gwin, 
and D. P. Doyle, were busy for a few days. Also an order 
of enquiry why a drill was omitted, that was ordered August 
28, shows that the Colonel kept his eyes open, and kept the 
men busy. There are many orders for details of guards 
and orderlies. 

September 9. Byron Porter died at convalescent U. S. 
Army Hospital ; reported as belonging to the 9th Massachu- 
setts* Battery. 

September 12. Correspondence commenced in regard to 
clothing turned in at Frederick City and lost; later a board 
of survey was ordered in the matter, but we got no favorable 
report. 

In the early autumn, descriptive lists were received at the 
Battery of four recruits enlisted by Lieut. Foster ; viz. : 
Byron Porter, Cornelius Sexton, William Adderly, and John 
Castelan. Of these, only Cornelius Sexton ever arrived at 
the Battery. 

October 5, the quartermaster sergeant was the subject of 
some correspondence between the headquarters of 

Oct. 5. . . 

the army in regard to tearing down a building in 
violation of certain orders, and charges were ordered to be 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 93 

preferred against him. The paper bears the signatures of 
Gen. A. A. Humphreys, chief of staff; Gen. Hunt, chief of 
artillery ; Gen. R. O. Tyler, and Col. McGilvery. In ex- 
amining the case, Capt. Bigelow sums up as follows : 

{Extract.) Being in ignorance of the fact that he was violating 
any general orders of the Army of the Potomac. General Order 
No. 122; A. of P., dated May 11. 1862, referred to, was issued three 
months before the Battery was mustered into the U. S. service, and 
consequently never received by the commanding officer and pro- 
mulgated to the command. If compatible with the rules of the 

service, I would respectfully request that Sergt. be released 

from arrest, and that a copy of General Order No. 122, A. of P., 
1862, be furnished to be promulgated to this command. 

I remain, Captain, your obedient servant. 

JOHN BIGELOW, 
Capt. Commanding gth Massachusetts Battery. 

Gunner Dawes returned to the command early in the sum- 
mer, and December 13th found Gunner Hessie, Privates 
Barnard, Downing, Thos. Fisher, McDavitt, Quartermaster 
Reed (now lieutenant), and prisoner S. Toby, all present ; 
and Sergt. Baker arrived the 12th of December, and the 
13th or 14th Sergt. Murray came back. Sergt. Hirst and 
Private J. K. Norwood were discharged. John B. Stowe, 
Louis Langeleer and J. A. McCarty were transferred to the 
Veteran Reserve Corps. 

CAMP AT BRANDY STATION. 

The morning of the 13th we break camp on the east of the 
railroad at Brandy Station, and go with the reserve 

1/cC, 10. .,, . 11 c 1 

artillery to a rise one mile northwest 01 the station, 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 



95 



and pitch our tents in a rain storm, and soon lay out a camp 
overlooking the station, railroad, and the intervening plain. 
We built stockades for ourselves about three and one half 




— I?.d 



feet high, covered with four shelter tents ; also fireplaces of 
stone, bricks and mud. From the 23d to the 26th we built 
stables of wind-break and floor, splitting oak logs thirty feet 
long in halves, and our horses were very comfortable. We 
soon had our oven ready, and we seldom failed having our 
baked beans Sunday morning. 

Some of our men are detailed at brigade headquarters. 
October 5, the order was received detailing Lieut. Reed as 
brigade quartermaster. December 20, J. A. Chapin detailed 
as forage sergeant at brigade headquarters. 



g6 HISTORY OF THE 

Until about the 24th of December we were very ragged ; 
our boots were so poor that they were no protection against 
mud and water. 

We are now in camp ; our business is to fit ourselves for 
the spring campaign, and, if possible, to recruit our numbers 
to a six-gun battery. Men are the first requisites, and officers 
take measures to gain recruits. Everything else is to be 
gained by requisition. Soon after Sergt. Murray returned 
he was promoted to orderly sergeant. 

January 23, we received our first instalment of twenty 
horses, and the 28th, nine men came. Battery 
and squad drills became the fashion again. About 
this time Capt. Bigelow went home on sick leave, having 
returned before he had recovered from the Gettysburg cam- 
paign. The winter was wet, as usual, and not very cold ; 
much of the time we could only care for our camp and horses, 
our mails were quite regular, and we were very comfortable. 

Feb. 11. A letter was received today for Adolph Lipman, 
who was killed at Gettysburg. It was postmarked 

Feb. 11. 

Riga, Russia, and was sent to Dead Letter Office. 
This incident recalls him to us again. He is remembered 
by all, officers and men, only with pleasure and esteem. He 
was one of many in the Battery who came alone, had no 
immediate friends, but made friends of all. He was never in 
trouble, was cheerful ; spoke French readily, English fairly; 
smoked cigarettes at first, making them as he used them. 
He never talked of himself or where he came from, and an 
air of mystery surrounded him ; his whole appearance 
denoted a man of education and refinement, and had seen 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 



97 



much of the world. In a letter from Alfred Clement, who 
was better acquainted with him than many others, he says: 
" His whole life seemed to me to be shrouded in mystery; 
his whole bearing showed clearly, however, that he had 
moved in higher circles, and had been in better circum- 
stances. He was versed perfectly in all the ways of the 
world." " Peace to his ashes." 

- About this time seventeen recruits joine 1 us, and two new 
detachments were formed. Corps. Hessie and Dawes 
were' assigned to them as actin<i sergeants. 




February 12. Capt. Bigelow returned today; also Lieut. 
Prescott, who also had been home. Capt. Bigelow was 



98 HISTORY OF THE 

immediately assigned to the command of the Brigade, and 
Lieut. Foster as adjutant. He did not long remain there, as 
the 23d he went home on recruiting service. 

About one month ago, Stable Sergt. J. A. Chapin broke 
his arm, and the 15th he received a furlough, and was never 
able to return for duty. J. P. Ayers was discharged because 
of mental disease. 

February 26. Paid off; there is more gambling than 
usual, but the tables are turned, and some of the former 
winners are losers. Capt. Bigelow sent his orderly and 
called the sergeants to headquarters. They all reported, and 
stood in line waiting for Capt. B., not knowing what was up. 
Soon appearing and being paler than usual, made the mystery 
greater. He said, " Sergeants, I hear that gambling prevails 
in camp to considerable extent ; I cannot tolerate it, and I 
want your assistance to stop it." They all promised to do 
all possible to aid him, and at night a general order was read 
prohibiting it. 

Our camp life is full of incidents. One of our sergeants 
was put in charge of a detail from the Brigade to lay out and 
improve the grounds about headquarters. 

While Capt. Bigelow was commanding the Brigade, he had 
occasion in inspecting some of the batteries to find fault with 
the condition of the tents, clothing, and sanitary condition of 
the camp. He was asked by the officers if his own Battery 
was any better. He told them that he was going to inspect 
it in the afternoon, and invited a couple of captains to go 
with him and see for themselves. They came and were 
surprised at the cleanliness of the camp quarters, cookhouse 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS liATTERV. 



99 



and clothing, and said, "You had this all prepared for us." 
He answered, " All duties are done promptly and system- 
atically, and we are always ready for inspection." 




"oo/rs -qU^ere * s - &• -e^>t>/?-A'0&S£ - Brandy y™Z' ay! * — /&, ■--=•-— 



The event of the day was the arrival of the mail, and 
happy the man who had letters. 

One sergeant complained of a bad smell in the tent, and a 
corporal was accused of causing it. He said he never 
washed his feet ; at home his wife washed them ; but he was 
strongly urged to wash, and sitting on a stump, with his 
coffee dipper, a quart of water and stick, he struggled with 
the job. 

One corporal, recounting the forenoon's adventures, said, 
that after getting up in the morning, first, he fell from a 
three-legged stool, alighting on his shoulder in the fireplace ; 
then found a kettle of water tipped over from the fire ; then 



100 



HISTORY OF THE 



spilled another and burned his left hand, also washing the 
skin off his right hand, tipping over his frying pan of pork 
and dropping his meat in the dirt. Pretty well for one half 
day. 

March 11. N. H. Brand reported in the Wash- 
ington Chronicle as dead. 



Mar. 11. 




^^f^^^^^^Hfj^O^JSi^ri^^^S^^^- 



One of our lieutenants did not like drill, much less inspec- 
tion ; and March 6, at a mounted inspection, he could not 
keep his horse near the line of caissons, and he made him so 
much trouble, that he left the field and went to camp, amid 
the laughter of his comrades. 

March 18. Our Battery, with two others, went out for 
target practice. It was muddy, and our work was poor. 
Soon after we returned to camp and had unharnessed, we 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. IOI 

were startled by " Boots and saddles," and orders came to 
prepare for marching, with one bag of grain on each carriage. 
We were ready promptly, but did not leave the park. We 
afterwards learned of a skirmish at Morton's Ford, on the 
Rapidan. 

News has just arrived that Gen. Grant is to take command 
of the Arm) r of the Potomac. 

.Much 22. About six inches of snow came, and for a day 
or two it was cold ; but the fourth day the ground was bare. 

March 27. An order is issued to prepare for the field. 
We are preparing our clothing for a campaign ; our order is 
one blanket, overcoat, jacket, blouse, pants, boots, cap, three 
outside shirts, three pairs stockings, one half shelter tent. 
Our ammunition is being changed ; a new canister of eighty 
balls instead of twenty-seven is given us. Our duties are in 
camp now ; our harnesses are to be thoroughly inspected 
and oiled; saddles and blankets clean; halters and nose bass 
whole ; all our ordnance stores in order. 

March 29. About forty horses came today. Two regi- 
ments of heavy artillery have come from the defences of 
Washington and camped near us ; one of the men came to 
our camp inquiring, "Where are the forts we are to gar- 
rison ? " He was told, " Beyond the Rapid Anna, and you 
have got to take them first." He seemed astonished. 

March 30. The order for reorganization was read ; the old 
men remain as before, new men assigned to detachments, 
non-commissioned officers changed all round. 

April 1. Eight more men came, and April 3 a commis- 
sion for Corp. F. C. Tucker, in the 3d New Jersey Regiment 



102 HISTORY OF THE 

arrived. His was the first commission out of the Battery ; 
he went home on a furlough and did not join the army until 
we were near Spottsylvania. 

April 14. Capt. Bigelow is relieved by Maj. Fitzhugh, and 
is again with the Battery ; also Lieut. Foster returned from 
recruiting service. Lieut. Reed is detailed for duty in the 
ambulance train of the reserve artillery. Also the order for 
transfer to the navy took Thomas F. Tuttle, James Gordon, 
William Strong and F. M. Shaw. 

April 18. Review by Gen. Grant of the reserve artillery, 
three brigades. 

April 23. We have six guns at last. The past week has 
been full of inspections ; first, by company officers ; 
^ ' then, by brigade commander Maj. Fitzhugh, and by 

Col. Munroe, under whom we took our last lessons in Camp 
Barry, in 1862, when we graduated and went into the 
defences of Washington. The Colonel still found us at the 
front, as he said we were one of the best batteries he ever 
inspected, Still we have plenty to do ; our experience is 
not thrown away on us ; we are making thorough prepara- 
tions. The most of us are particular about our clothing, and 
many of our jackets are made over and altered to fit better; 
pants resewed, suspenders made, underclothing in good 
order. We never looked so well clothed in proper fitting 
garments as now, and our knapsacks are the envy of other 
battery officers. 

As the time is near when we shall leave these quarters, 
and the future we do not know, a few things should be noted 
here. The health of this camp has been excellent, the loca- 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. I03 

tion was well chosen. The location was pleasant, no bat- 
tery being in our front ; the camp was well drained ; our 
commissary was well cared for ; good cookhouse ; good 
cooks ; Commissary Sergt. John Ouincy Adams, the right 
man in the right place. Our horses fared as well as the 
men ; Stable Sergeant Horatio Knights wielded the measure 
faithfully. Our new men found good instructors in the man- 
ual and other duties, and good advisers. Among the detach- 
ment officers, few wished to shirk ; none could. 

One year ago, April 17, we hauled out of park at Fort 
Ramsey, having passed a rather uncomfortable winter; sick- 
ness and other causes had taken from us some of the men 
who were forward in detachment and team, and their places 
had been filled by promotion. The campaign following had 
taken from us by death our two first lieutenants, who ably 
filled their place, and three sergeants who were missed by 
us all ; and as we are ready for the field, we find that our 
recruits of four weeks are as well fitted as we were in four 
months. 

April 27. Spring is coming on, the mud is settling, rains 
less frequent, and we are still at work preparing to move. 

Tuesday, May 3, we are ready for the field; we have orders 
to take six days' rations of bread, coffee and sugar; that at 
midnight "boots and saddles " would be sounded. Our last 
night in our log houses, and we feel as if we were leaving 
home; we have taken much comfort and enjoyment in them, 
and we leave them forever. Although many of us are 
anxious for more active service, yet there is a minor strain 
running through our conversation, as we sit around our 



Mm* i u > 




■i ^ 

If!'}' w 

y c "I'll; § 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 



I05 



fireplaces on our boxes, three-legged stools and blocks, eat 
our last loaf of soft bread and drink our coffee, sort over our 
letters, burn all but the last. As "taps" sound, we blow out 




our inch of candle and pull up the blankets about us. We 
dream of the bivouac fire, our pot of coffee on it, and holding 
a pan of steaming pork over it ; but the bugle calls and we 
are astir. The general order of Maj. Fitzhugh, 3d Brigade 
Artillery Reserve, for the march places us on the right of the 
Brigade, and to be ready to march at 2 A.M., May 4. 

May 4, 1864. It is nearly twenty-one months since we 
„„. entered the service, and we seem to be no nearer 

May 4 1864. 

' ' the end than when we commenced ; but we do 

not expect to do much countermarching this summer ; expect 
our new commander will lead us forward, but how many of 

7 



106 HISTORY OF THE 

us will lie by the wayside, we know not. As the sergeants 
step to the front and call the roll, there are many new names 
to answer "here." Another nine months and they will be 
veterans; perhaps some will have to be "accounted for." 
That was a pleasing ceremony in the old French army ; when 
any soldier conspicuous for bravery was killed, that at sunset 
roll call, when his name was called, the sergeant stepped to 
the front and answered, "Died on the field of battle." Such 
might be the honor some of our comrades are entitled to. 

It is Wednesday morning; our horses are eating; the 
cooks are busy ; we strap our knapsacks, roll our blankets 
and overcoats, take the roofs of our stockades, which are to 
be our shelters now ; all are securely strapped on the limbers 
and saddles. Breakfast call, and we get our last breakfast 
from the cookhouse ; then harness, and at daylight haul out 
of park and are ready to take our place in column. 

The reserve artillery slowly gets in motion, with its heavy- 
ammunition train. Our marches are short, our halts many ; 
there is at least one corps in advance of us, and the road is 
strewn with clothing, a great deal of it new. There are 
thousands of blankets, overcoats, blouses, pants, shirts, etc. ; 
the day was warm, the load too much. 

About 4 P.M. we cross the Rapid Anna, at Ely's Ford. 
Some of the boys are nibbling on their hard tack, and in two 
clays six days' rations are gone. The campaign has begun ; 
we have entered disputed ground. We camp about two miles 
beyond the ford, at dark, among some rifle pits. 

May 5. At 10 A.M., we slowly commence our march 
toward the Chancellorsville house. The roads are full of 



I08 HISTORY OF THE 

rifle pits, made one year ago ; we see some skeletons as we 
pass along. About 12 M. skirmishing commenced on our 
right, and increased till 6 P.M. We first passed the Chan- 
cellorsville house, went towards Fredericksburg a mile, when 
we were halted, and came back and turned south on the 
Orange plank road two miles to 

LAUREL GROVE, WILDERNESS. 

We remained here till the eve of the 7th, being in harness 
all the time. 

Saturday, May 7. This morning we heard we were fight- 
ing for the possession of a plank road to Orange 
Court House, and that the line of battle is nine 
miles long. History tells us that but little artillery could be 
used. All day the battle raged, but toward night seemed 
to recede from us. About 7 P.M., the bugles began " Drivers 
to horse," " Cannoneers to posts." We filed out of park, 
back by the Chancellorsville house, and to the right through 
pine woods and dust. About midnight we bivouac; our 
horses stand in harness till daylight ; it is all work for them, 
only unharnessed to be groomed since we started. Our camp 
is near Piney Grove Church, 600 yards off. 

WILDERNESS TO SPOTTSYLVANIA. 

Sunday, there was a drumhead court martial in the 6th 
New York Regiment, of a deserter taken in the enemy's 
lines. We have lost one man by a broken leg. Some are 
having their first experience in jerking beef, which does 
very well. 






NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. IO9 

Monday, our horses are put on half rations, but we favor 
them all we can by giving them grass. We pitched our 
tents for the first time tonight. 

Tuesday, May 10. Still in camp. Rumor of the enemy's 
cavalry in our rear. In the afternoon we are ordered out, 
march one mile, go in battery, change position, break in 
column of pieces, and are in camp again in forty-five 
minutes. About one hour after, break camp and go through 
the pine woods ; the dust is suffocating. 

Our camp is nine miles out of Fredericksburg, at 

ALDRICH CORNER. 

May 12. Our caissons, with those of three other batteries, 
were ordered to take ammunition to the front at Spottsyl- 
vania. Lieut. Milton, with three sergeants and the chiefs of 
caissons were sent ; we delivered the ammunition, and in 
retiring were shelled, but got out with no damage. 

May 13. Again break camp, move three miles nearer 
Fredericksburg. Our new base of supplies is all right, and 
we are on full rations again. A great deal of rain has fallen, 
and the roads are very muddy. 

May 14. Orders to take five limbers and go after captured 
guns. The limbers of three batteries brought out thirteen 
guns from Laurel Hill, captured by the 2d Corps. An 
accident occurred in the battery in front of us ; a loose plank 
caught in the off wheel and threw the limber over, and with 
such force as to throw the off horse over the near horse and 
on top of the driver. Fortunately the ground was soft mud, 



I IO HISTORY OF THE 

and the horses were rolled off and the driver rescued, not 
much worse for the fall. 

As we were coming out, we met a column of recruits, con- 
valescents, and furloughed men going in to join their regi- 
ments and among them Lieut. F. C. Tucker. He found the 
regiment so badly depleted that he could not be mustered 
in, and returned home, remaining till December, when he 
re-enlisted in the Battery. 

An order was read at night congratulating the troops on 
their successes. 

May 15, Sunday. We are ordered to the rear to support 
dismounted cavalry who are picketing the rear against a cav- 
alry attack. Relieved at 2 P.M., return to find the reserve 
artillery all gone and we take our line of march to 

» 

FREDERICKSBURG. 

Approaching the city from the southwest, we gain a fine view 
of the city and its defences ; the height is crowned with a 
series of earthworks, and in front of them, tier on tier for two 
miles to near the city, forming an amphitheatre of about one 
quarter circle. We find our baggage a little southeast of 
the city, and go in camp on a gravel bottom, and are out of 
the mud. 

May 16. Orders to turn in two guns; all batteries to be 
four guns. We reorganize our gun teams, repair, shoe 
horses, and are to report to the 5th Corps. 

May 17. At 10 A.M., break camp, march ten miles on 
the Richmond plank road to near the river. Four New 
York batteries are in camp here. 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. I I I 

May iS. At daylight, we go to the left to Anderson place 
to prevent a cavalry surprise; return at 2 P.M., and at sun- 
rise the next morning cross the river and go in battery in 
some heavy works beside the road, directly in front of 

SPOTTSYLVANIA COURT HOUSE, 

which is in sight. Our position is in range of seventeen guns, 
from 1500 to 1700 yards off, and a line of rifle pits 500 or 600 
yards in front, and only a skirmish line in our front. 

May 20, was a very quiet day, but about 5 P.M., we 
were startled by an attack in our rear. We were near the 
right of the line, and Gen. Early had moved by our right and 
well to the rear, hoping to capture our base of supplies. The 
opportune arrival of the heavy artillery saved us, but it 
seemed too near our rear for comfort ; our supports were 
few but good, as the 9th, 22d, and 32d Massachusetts Regi- 
ments were near us. 

May 21, Saturday. About 2 A.M. we are all called, and 
ordered to fill our embrasures with brush, as there 

May 21. . fl , , . 

is some movement among the enemy ; and we haul 
out and go a mile to the rear, feed, breakfast, and prepare for 
the next order. At 10 A.M. we move to the left, and have 
gone but a short distance when the enemy, with two guns, 
open on the position we have just left; we do not mind it, 
but keep on our march, past Guiniss' Station on the F. & R. 
Railroad, cross the river — supposed to be the Po, branch of 
the Mattapony — on a bridge, the best we have crossed. The 
enemy were trying to destroy it, but two regiments of infantry 



112 



HISTORY OF THE 



arrived in time to save it. We camp a short distance beyond, 
on the road to Hanover Court House. 

May 22, Sunday. Hauled out at sunrise for one half 
mile. At 10 A.M. we are on the road again ; cross the Ta; 
pass a soldier in gray shot beside the road. Soon came on 
the enemy's pickets, and a battery opened on our advance, 
but were soon driven, and we went on towards Hanover 
Court House, and at 4 P.M. go in park ; rails are plenty. 

May 23, Monday. At 6 A.M. we are with the 1st Brigade, 
1st Division, 5th Corps, on the road toward 







wzti 












>1$n 





NORTH ANNA RIVER, 



above Hanover Junction. At Mt. Carmel Church an obstacle 
appears in the person of the enemy, and again we turn to the 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. I 1 3 

right, and strike the river at Jericho Mills or Ford. The ist 
Division ford the river ; a canvas pontoon bridge is laid and 
five batteries of brass guns cross, and wind up a steep bluff. 
As soon as we reach the top we go in battery, and in two 
minutes we are at work. In one hour we used 170 rounds of 
ammunition. The enemy were about one half mile distant, 
concealed in the woods covering the railroad. We had been 
firing but a few minutes, when an officer rode out in our 
front, shouting, " Elevate your guns ; you are firing into our 
own men." We were ordered to elevate for 800 yards. We 
could not see the enemy, and elevation was all we had to 
look out for, and our guns worked pretty briskly. Soon 
another division charged into the woods from our left, and we 
slackened our fire. We were in range and under a fire of 
musketry, and Corp. Lucian Sanderson was killed, shot 
through the ear ; he was standing on the footboard, serving 
ammunition from the caisson. He died about midnight. 
We lay in battery all night ; the men lay at their posts. The 
enemy's firing continued all night, and some of us lay with 
our heads toward it, so as not to stop any more minies than 
necessary. During the cannonading of over an hour, the 
roar was incessant ; shot and shell were in the air all the 
time. Gen. Grant, in his dispatch, said it was the most 
voluminous firing he ever heard. 

Our position was in the centre of the line in battle. Our 
officers were complimented by Gen. Cutler, of the 4th 
Division, 5th Corps, which advanced under our fire. This 
is the first time we have blackened our guns this campaign 
and we did it well. Some of our gun detachments are 



114 HISTORY OF THE 

nearly all new men, but the officers and non-commissioned 
officers found that their faithful work through the winter was 
effective. 

May 24. This morning we move about one mile to the 
front and right, and occupy a knoll that was crowned by the 
enemy with a battery commanding the approach from Jericho 
Ford. We reversed their work and commanded the railroad 
and a range beyond. We see again the ever-welcome face of 
our quartermaster sergeant here, as he is our postmaster, 
and brings our seldom-received mail. 

We occupy the battery till the morning of May 26, when 
we again commence our march down the North Anna to 
Quarles Ford, or about two miles down the river ; crossed 
over a bridge to the north bank ; parked about one half mile 
from the river. What next, we do not know, but can wait 
till we are wanted. 

We hoped to lay here for a day or two, but at 5 P.M. we 
watered, fed, and at 7 P.M. were to be ready to move. At 
6 we had a smart shower, and at 7 we hauled out, went 
one half mile, parked, and waited till 3 A.M. 

May 27, went one mile and at 6 A.M. commenced our 
day's work, and at 11 P.M. we have had the hardest march 
of the season so far ; twenty-three miles of Virginia roads is a 
long way. We awake in Brandywine, King William County, 
•three miles from Pamunky River. Our camp is in a last 
year's cornfield ; after a rain, mud. Some of our horses are 
used up, but with one or two changes we are ready for the 
march, and at 6 A.M., May 28, start for the river; cross at 
10 A.M., and about one mile beyond we go in battery. We 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. I I 5 

give our horses a good feed of clover. This is said to be 
Newcastle, six miles below Hanover town, where the 2d and 
6th Corps are lying. 

May 29. We have advanced one mile, and again at night 
another. 

May 30. Still advancing, but at 6 P.M. a skirmish 
commences on the right, and we are ordered back. The 
fight increases, and we are placed in an opening with forests 
on our right and left ; we are not to fire unless the enemy 
breaks the line in our front, then we are to take care of them 
with canister. The crash of musketry is continuous ; three 
rifled batteries crack their hard shells among the Confederates, 
and a brass battery rolls its spheres among them. Ammuni- 
tion was laid by our guns ready for the opening, but our line 
held ; the enemy were repulsed. So ended the battle of 

BETHESDA CHURCH, 

known as the " Bee Hive." 

June i, found us again going to the left ; soon halt in some 
breastworks occupied by some Michigan troops, 

June 1. ... . . „ 7 , 

which soon advanced. We were nearly in range, 
and went back a short distance where the firing was pretty 
heavy, and went into the woods ; but could not advance with- 
out cutting our way in, and we were ordered out. In one 
half hour we were ordered in again. We cut our way in for 
about one fourth mile, when we were ordered out again. We 
went back one half mile and took position, and remained all 
night. 



Il6 HISTORY OF THE 

At midnight a detail of two sergeants and twelve men 
under Capt. Bigelow and one lieutenant started for the picket 
line. We felt our way, left our horses back of a knoll, and 
went to the line and commenced throwing up a lunette for 
three guns. Occasionally a minie would zip near us, and as 
the day began to dawn they were more frequent. We were 
somewhat covered by the time the enemy discovered the 
fresh earth. It was not safe to be seen, as they were only 
200 yards away. We did not occupy the battery, as the 
infantry said we could not keep a battery there and they 
could not save it. 

June 3. We go toward the left with five batteries, park in 
a field in regular order; about 3 P.M., we get a heavy shower. 
The enemy discover us and commence to shell us. We get 
out and go to the right again, and have a narrow escape from 
their shot. In the night a detail is made to build a battery 
in the edge of the woods, and at daylight the right section 
occupy it and at noon we have used eighty-one rounds. The 
left section come up and go in on our right, but use only 
twelve rounds. Our position was very favorable, as we were 
in a hollow, with a plain in front, and were safe from their 
shot ; scarcely a tree escaped their shot. Many of their shot 
ricochetted over the plain and cut off trees over our heads ; 
case shot only troubled us. We have no forage for our horses 
— " nothing but leaves." This engagement is known as 

TOLOPOTOMY CREEK. 

June 5, Sunday. Forage arrives and the forty-eight hours' 
fast is broken. No firing for twenty-four hours. We hear 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. W] 

axes in our rear and know we shall have to "get up and get" 
again ; and after dark we pull out and go to our caissons in 
the rear, and soon followed the 2d Division through woods 
about five miles to 

COLD HARBOR. 

We had no mail from the 9th of May till the 3d of June 
and only a delayed mail till the 7th of June. We are in camp 
repairing damages of wear and tear, and recruiting generally ; 
horses, harnesses, clothing, all to be repaired and cleaned. 

When we started from our winter quarters, May 4, we 
were fresh; some of our men were new, three fourths of our 
horses were new, and not so good as the year before; our 
guns and equipments were the same ; our harnesses as good ; 
our clothing better, in being better fitted and cared for ; our 
rations good, and we could cook them better. One thing 
some of us had to learn on this campaign, as we had to in 
every one after lying in camp some time : to be regular in 
using our rations. Some of the boys went through theirs 
before night of the second day; many others always had 
enough, and could spare a day's rations of hard bread to their 
less careful comrades, and no one of our boys ever went 
hungry more than one day. In my notes I do not find that 
we were short of our regular rations in the Battery. 

Our work so far is quite wearing. We have not made a 
regular camp, till we came here, since we started; we have 
pitched our tents several times, but not often regularly, and 
several times they were struck as soon as pitched. Our 



I 1 8 HISTORY OF THE 

marching has been by night more than by day, and it was 
wearing to men as well as horses, and our six days' rest is 
most acceptable to us all. We lost a few horses by glanders 
after we started, but none otherwise ; most of our drivers care 
for their horses as well as themselves, and would rather be 
without rations than that their horses should go hungry. 

All our men came to this camp but two: McCarty, 

broke his leg at Piney Grove Church, and Corp. Lucian 
Sanderson, killed at North Anna. Some are going to hos- 
pital from this camp. 

Among the many pleasing things to remember, was one 
the 30th of May. It was said that there was some trouble 
with some of the Pennsylvania Reserves at the Wilderness ; 
but at the battle at Bethesda Church we lay in battery behind 
them, on their last fight. The position was an important 
one, and for two hours the enemy assailed it ; again and 
again they charged the point, but unflinchingly the Reserves 
held on, and at dark the assault had failed. The next morn- 
ing they marched out of the works, their bands playing " The 
Campbells are coming, ho, ho," and " Star Spangled Ban- 
ner"; and as their lines were formed to be mustered out, and 
the names called, to many the sergeant could step two paces 
to the front and answer, " Died at the post of duty." 

At two different times we were out of forage, which was 
during change of base of supplies; the first change was to 
Fredericksburg ; then farther down the Rappahannock to 
White House Landing ; then James River. In the new 
sections the cavalry got all the corn there was and not much 
of that. 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. I 19 

June 11. We break camp at 2 P.M., and march northeast 

three miles, then southeast four or five ; cross the 
limp 1 i 

Richmond & West Point Railroad at the summit, 

and go about two miles beyond, and at n A.M. park. 

June 12. Our camp is near Baltimore Crossroads until 
near 7.30 P.M., when we are again moving, over a good road 
for six miles, to near Long Bridge, across the Chickahominy 
River. 

June 13. We cross at about 6 A.M., and turn to the right 
toward Richmond ; we park about two miles farther up. 
We are with troops that are on picket against any surprise, 
and to cover the movement below. At 5 P.M. we haul out 
and return the way we came to Long Bridge, then turn to 
the right and make about twelve miles without much delay, 
arriving about 12, midnight, at camp. The morning of 
June 14, finds us encamped on Dr. Clark's plantation, 
near 

CHARLES CITY COURT HOUSE. 

We are in a beautiful country; extensive wheat fields are 
all around us ; our camp is in one of twenty acres, good 
wheat, well filled, totally destroyed. Well, the enemy wont 
harvest much wheat or corn here this summer. The James 
River is one mile south of here ; we hear the steamers 
blowing off steam. 

We were called at 1 A.M., June 16, and at sunrise we 
start for the river, past Charles City Court House to Wilcox 
Landing or Swine Ford; past a house and landing called 



120 HISTORY OF THE 

Wine Oaks ; out on a sand bar to the end of the longest 
pontoon bridge ever laid. We all dismounted and led our 
horses across, and we felt better when we were on terra firma 
again. We marched about one mile and parked early in the 
forenoon ; unharnessed, groomed, fed, and prepared for a long 
march. About 5 P.M. we are on the road, going west and 
southwest all night. About daylight we begin to hear 
musketry and artillery firing, increasing and sounding nearer 
until we halt, about 7 A.M. 

June 17. The night was hot and dusty, and we were tired. 
Until 11 A.M., we wait and rest as well as we can. Again 
we move, still nearer the enemy, until occasionally a shell or 
shot comes bounding by us, tearing up the ground. Here 
we lay in reserve, with several other batteries, all night. 
The shot of the enemy annoyed us somewhat. I remember 
one coming over my gun and caisson, and striking the 
ground twenty yards in the rear, in a regiment of infantry 
lying down, killing two men. 

PETERSBURG. 

June 18 finds us before Petersburg, and as the sun rose 
hot the firing increased. We were ordered to the 
left and to take position on a road running south- 
east from Petersburg — the Suffolk plank road. As we were 
approaching our position, one shot cut the throats of the pole 
horses on the left piece, and we had to commence work with 
three guns. In a few minutes the fourth gun opened, but we 
were at long range, and probably did small execution. We 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS I'.ATTERY. 121 

only used sixteen rounds, when we were ordered to another 
position. We crossed the Norfolk Railroad on a bridge 
covered with poles, and halted in a place that was swept by 
the enemy's guns; soon countermarched, and behind a slight 
ridge lay till 4 P.M., when we are ordered in again. Three 
batteries start, one halts, and only the 9th Mass. and 15th 
New York, Capt. Hart, go in. We trot down a wood road 
one eighth of a mile, that was swept by a fire of musketry, 
down a slope, through a ravine, up another slope, going in 
battery before we reach the summit, and running our guns 
by hand to the front, until our range is clear. We open 
immediately and vigorously, firing as fast as possible. The 
infantry are swarming back through our line, and it looks 
like a repulse. We work with all our might ; we must check 
the counter charge or we are lost, as we cannot get out very 
easily. Our guns are getting hot ; they are recoiling down 
the hill, but we run them to the front every time, and hold 
our position. The right gun, of which the writer was chief, 
was well served by Gunner Hall, and met with only slight 
casualties. The second, Sergt. Lowell, with Gunner Lincoln, 
alternated its shot with the first ; but early in the action, 
while sighting his gun, Gunner Lincoln was shot in the 
mouth, falling backwards alongside the trail of the gun. As 
he fell, his head lay in his hat, which was full of blood. He 
was carried to the rear, and at night buried in his rubber 
blanket. Lieut. Milton orders up Corp. Manning, who serves 
the gun. 

The left section, Lieut. Foster, with Sergts. Park and 
Dawes, also held its place and kept up its fire. Sergts. Park 



122 HISTORY OF THE 

and Dawes went a little to the front to get a better view of 
the enemy, when Sergt. Dawes fell, struck in the bowels, and 
was carried from the field to a field hospital near our position ; 
he died the 21st at 7 A.M. There were three others slightly 
wounded, but no others disabled. One horse killed and one 
wounded. 

After using about 200 rounds, the enemy's fire slackened, 
and Capt. Bigelow ordered us to entrench our position ; the 
drivers assist in bringing rails, and by dark we are quite well 
covered. 

There are a few incidents, connected with this afternoon, 
that I have never seen in history, but will record here, in 
which President Chamberlain of Bowdoin College was a 
prominent actor. One part of it is taken from the Congrega- 
tionalist of Boston; the other from a letter of Maj. Bigelow, 
commanding the Battery at that time. 

At the dedication of the new Memorial Hall at Bowdoin Col- 
lege, July 12, 1882, one of the speakers was Gen. Ellis Spear, 
formerly commissioner of patents at Washington. He drew a 
graphic sketch of the charge at Petersburg, Va., under command 
of Gen. Chamberlain, who was then a general in the army before 
Richmond. It was a time when the Confederate batteries on the 
heights at Petersburg were harassing the Union forces, and it was 
necessary that they should be silenced. Gen. Chamberlain was 
selected as the one man most fit to lead an attack upon them. He 
was told what was wanted of him, and he asked what plan had 
been made. ' A direct assault,' was the reply. Wishing to under- 
stand his ground, Gen. Chamberlain rode out to reconnoitre, and 
found, in the route which must be taken for a direct assault, that 
there was a railroad cut, some twelve or fifteen feet deep, in which 
wires had been strung to impede and entangle the soldiers, should 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 1 23 

they advance that way. They would be thrown into confusion and 
be subject to a pitiless fire while helpless in the cut. So Gen. 
Chamberlain took another course. Leading his men in a detour, 
he formed them in shelter of woods at the nearest point possible to 
the batteries frowning from the heights of Petersburg. Then the 
order for attack was given, and the soldiers rushed toward the 
enemy. A terrible fire was opened upon them. Three times was 
Gen. Chamberlain's horse shot under him. Then he himself 
received a shot, going completely through both hips. He was 
unhorsed, but he stood his ground, though unable to walk. He 
was bleeding copiously. His boots filled with blood and his panta- 
loons were saturated. As he grew weaker, he thrust his sword 
into the ground and leaned upon it, still holding his position and 
encouraging his men. Becoming weaker still from loss of blood, 
and unable to stand with that support, he sank upon his knees, but 
still kept the upright position and encouraged his men. Then he 
fell prostrate entirely, wholly unable to keep erect. Soldiers came 
to his aid. " No," he said. " I am too far gone. You can do nothing 
for me. Help the others." But they lifted him on a stretcher and 
carried him away. Scarcely had they moved him, when a shell 
struck the ground near, buried itself and exploded, throwing upon 
the spot where he had lain a great mass of earth, which would have 
completely covered and killed him if he had not been moved. On 
that stretcher he was taken to Fortress Monroe, and his severe 
wounds dressed, but he had a slow recovery. 

Philadelphia, Jan. 7, 1885. 
L. W. Baker, Dear Sergeant : — 

You will recollect we followed Gen. Chamberlain's charge on 
the gallop up the hill. We stopped at the crest, about on a line 
and 300 yards from the enemy's works ; we fired across an inter- 
vening depression. As Gen. Chamberlain charged across this in 
order to reach their line of works opposite us, they received a 
raking fire from a masked battery in a clump of trees. Some of 
them became demoralized and fell back ; many came in through 



124 HISTORY OF THE 

our battery. I tried to find out from the stragglers whether any 
infantry -remained in our front to protect us against a counter 
charge, as the railroad cut in our rear prevented our getting away. 
They were too frightened to reply. I called Lieut. Milton, and 
together we stopped over ioo, made them lay clown and load up; 
with these we held our position till dark. While engaged in stop- 
ping the infantry, word was brought to me that Gen. Chamberlain 
lay in our front, badly wounded. I sent word to the ambulance to 
take the stretcher and bring him in, my informant acting as guide. 
When they reached the General, he told the men to let him go, he 
was too severely wounded to live, and to take some of the others 
about him more fortunate. Our men replied (he told me), " We 
cannot do that, sir; Capt. Bigelow's order to us was to bring you 
back, and that is what we must do." This scene was enacted under 
a heavy musketry fire, and a life of great subsequent usefulness 
saved. Signed, JOHN BIGELOW. 

Also, I received a letter from Sergt. J. H. Manning, of 
which this is an extract : — 

ArCtYle Park, Chicago, March 5, 1887. 
In regard to the Petersburg fight, on the 17th of June, I believe 
[should be the 18th], I was given charge of some extra caissons to 
take to the rear. As soon as I got them put out of harm's way, I 
started for the front. Meeting an infantryman with rifle and 
amunition, who was wounded, took them, went out in front of 
Lincoln's gun and stood up in the bushes doing a little sharpshoot- 
ing at a gun under a tree in our front ; as soon as the cartridge box 
was empty, I came back and found Lincoln was killed. I took his 
place, and filled it the rest of the day. The sharpshooter that 
hit him was in the same tree, but I could not get him. Several 
infantrymen in the vicinity of the gun were shot with small rifle 
balls, and the first time I sighted the gun a bullet split itself on the 
cap square, spattering minute particles of lead in my face. 

Signed, J. H. MANNING. 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 125 

The following letter was written by one intimate with Gun- 
ner Lincoln, and gives much of the last day of his life. 

Croyden, Ind., March 4, 1887. 
Our night march from the pontoon bridge across the James River 
to the newly formed position in front of Petersburg, was without 
doubt one of the severest trials of the campaign of 1864. Weary 
and worn out, we arrived upon the soil which was to swallow, from 
that day (June 15th) on, so many precious lives. During the 
night we marched side by side conversing with each other in low, 
husky, muffled tones, as if the awful solemnity of the coming day, 
with all its terrors, were already upon us. Levi Lincoln marched 
alongside of me the greater portion of the night, discussing the 
probabilities of the near future of the Army of the Potomac. The 
first streak of daylight, instead of rest, brought unmistakable signs 
of coming strife. Occasional picket shots proved to us the sure 
forerunner of general action near at hand, and the lapse of another 
hour verified our most terrible expectations. Soon the whole line 
was enveloped in smoke. Our Battery, yet located upon the spot 
which terminated our night march, soon received orders to change 
position and was destined during a long midsummer forenoon to 
move to and fro under the iron hail of an infuriated foe ; the 
bouncing and ricocheting of solid shot literally ploughing the soil ; 
shells bursting in mid air, and bullets by the thousand whizzing 
around our tired and weary, yet fastly moving forms. Noon brought 
us an hour's rest. We had moved close to the line of action 
across the Norfolk Railroad ; the roadbed was a deep cut, crossed 
by a wooden, rough-looking bridge. This bridge we crossed, to 
halt immediately upon the other side. Weary and exhausted, hun- 
gry and thirsty, I threw myself down upon the ground on the left 
and upper side of the crossing. Our group consisted of the mem- 
bers of the second detachment, of course, Levi Lincoln included 
in the number. My shot pouch was slung around my right side, 
ready for action. Weary and tired, sleep made itself visible upon 
several faces, that of myself not excepted. Levi Lincoln, who was 



126 HISTORY OF THE 

stretched full length alongside of me, noticing my drowsiness, said, 
" Goodnight, George, you will soon be roused again." I dozed 
awhile. When I waked up, my olfactory nerves were offended by a 
most pestiferous odor near or about my person. Levi Lincoln 
and Murphy were the first to detect the cause of my perfume 
dilemma, on my pouch, which happened to bear the marks of a very 
prominent constituent part of the bed whereon I rested. My 
whole detachment joined in boisterous laughter, but, alas ! one of 
them laughed his last — it was Levi Lincoln. 

To draw the general attention away from myself and rid myself 
of the bitterness of the joke, I passed a few remarks about the rail- 
road alongside of which we were resting, saying, that it was " dead 
stock." While saying this, I took my watch out of my pocket, and 
finding it stopped, passed the additional remark, " and so is my 
watch dead;" whereupon Levi answered, "Perhaps some of us will 
be dead before many hours, or even minutes. " Drawing his time- 
piece from his pocket, he said, " It is half past one o'clock." " So," 
I said, " your watch is alive yet ; you had better will it to me in 
case you should be numbered among those you doom to such an 
early death by your conjectures." "You shall in such a case have 
it," he answered. " All right," was my cheerful reply, little sus- 
pecting that our jokes turned upon the stern pivot of truth, and 
only a very short time was to intervene between them and their 
verification. My last answer had hardly escaped my lips when 
Charley Reed's clarion notes called us to action. 

Our piece during that afternoon's action stood almost upon the 
brow of a ridge. The slope to the rear caused our piece to recoil 
considerably. Coming up the hill from the ammunition chest, I 
saw Levi fall backwards in a continued straight line with the gun- 
stock. Not knowing how far his injuries extended, my first fear 
was that another discharge of our piece would cause additional 
harm ; I therefore warned No. 4 not to fire till we had him moved 
out of the reach of the next recoil ; but, turning around, my gaze 
fell on the rigid form of our already departed gunner. He wore a 
light cream colored wool hat — it was half full of blood. As men- 
tioned above, he had fallen straight back and was lying with his 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. \2J 

head down hill ; the back of his head held his hat, which had 
slipped off his forehead, in such a position as to render it a recipient 
of all the blood which flowed from his half-open mouth. 

So ended Levi Lincoln, the gunner of Sergt. Nelson Lowell's 
detachment. He was a perfect pattern of morality, noble impulse 
and unflinching patriotism. A comrade full of fraternal love, he 
never to my knowledge wronged any one and was warmly loved 
and highly respected by all. 

N. B. Levi Lincoln was interred close to the infantry breast- 
works in our immediate rear, wrapped in his india rubber. A few 
days afterward, we exhumed his body and buried him under a large 
tree, side by side with Sergt. Dawes, who fell about or near the 
same time. 

GEO. H. MADER. 

After Sergt. Dawes died, we brought him and Gunner 
Lincoln to near our camp and buried them under a large 
tree. Each of their graves was marked by a board with their 
full name on it; also a fence was built around their resting 
place. Their bodies were afterwards taken to Massachusetts. 

After dark we go back about two miles, where we make 
camp, groom, feed, supper, sleep. 

June 19, in the morning, we go to the same place of our 
fight the night before; find a good breastwork well filled 
with infantry; we use about twelve rounds during the day. 
We have to keep low as the minies are humming all the time. 
We also dig a place for our horses and limbers, as the distance 
was such that balls coming just over the breastworks skimmed 
the ground down the hill, and men were killed lying down 
ten yards back of the works. 

Again we go to the rear for the night, and June 20, about 
9 of a foggy morning, we go up to our old place in the breast- 



125 



HISTORY OF THE 



works and quietly remain until about 6 o'clock. A heavy- 
gun in the enemy's works, 600 yards distant, protected by a 
heavy earthwork, opened, and the shot went over and a mile 
to our rear, near where some trains were passing. We all 
sprang from the ground, and the order came, " Load with 
solid shot; don't fire without orders." The chief of the right 
gun had been watching this earthwork for two clays, and 
wanted to try it ; the embrasure seemed to be six feet deep. 
He went to Lieut. Milton and asked permission to shell it. 
He was referred to the Captain, who gave him permission. 
A couple of solid shot proved the distance correct, and 
as shell followed shell, the enemy only replied with mus- 
ketry, which was answered by the regiments with Sharpe's 
rifles. The twelfth shell finished the embrasure, and it is said 
dismounted the gun. As shell after shell burst in the embras- 
ure, the infantry cheered and enjoyed it as much as we did. 

As this was the first time we had had a chance for nice 
work, we improved it. The gun detachment was compli- 
mented by both captain and 
lieutenant, and some of the 
infantry officers said it was 
the best firing they ever saw. 
We returned to camp 
after dark, where we remain 
two days — welcome days, 
as our mail comes now quite 
regularly. We improve all 
our leisure in answering 
our letters, cleaning up, 




NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 



129 



washing and mending. We have to keep in readiness to 
move at a moment's notice. As an example : the 22d we 
were in a state of alarm ; sharp skirmishing all night. 
About dark there was a heavy charge, and another at 11. 
We harnessed at 6 P.M., unharnessed at 8, harnessed again 
at 11, unharnessed at 1 A.M. 

While we were here, one of our artists made a picture of 
the tree and spot where Sergt. Dawes and Gunner Lincoln 
were buried. It was afterwards photographed and many 
copies are preserved. 




I30 HISTORY OF THE 

June 24, we haul out and take our line of march to the 
left. At 6 A.M. we cross the Norfolk Railroad, 
and soon come to the ground where the 2d Corps 
were engaged the 23d and lost a battery, also many prisoners. 
About 8 P.M. we go into a battery, and relieve the 6th 
Maine. Our horses were sent to the rear; our guns, with 
two extra chests of ammunition, were left in the battery. 

In the morning we see where we are. The battery covers 
500 yards of the Jerusalem plank road, a large range of 
picket lines, and one half mile of heavy earthworks, well 
armed. It was said that sixteen guns fired on this battery 
two days before. Five hundred yards in our front, and on 
the right of the plank road, was the celebrated " Fort Sedg- 
wick," better known at that time as " Fort Hell." Our 
works were not very strong, but we strengthened them by 
night until they were seven feet high and strong in propor- 
tion. 

The picket firing was pretty sharp for two days, then a 
truce was made between the pickets, who were in speaking 
distance in some places. They exchanged papers, traded 
tobacco for coffee. Said Johnny to Bucktail, " Let's go over 
to Petersburg on a time today." Said Bucktail to Johnny, 
"Wait a few days; then I'll go." 

July 8. There was considerable shelling across our front, 

and occasionally a few would come over our way. 

' One burst, striking Adolphus Schermer in the 

breast, making a severe wound. Also the pickets engaged 

in a little brush, just to keep their hand in, but we were not 

troubled further. 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 131 

The evening of the 11th, the Pennsylvania Bucktails were 
relieved, and for two hours halted near our Battery. A ser- 
geant came over to my tent, and kept me awake two hours 
telling" stories of the picket line. Among others, said a negro 
picket to a Johnny, " 1 commence in de morning and fight 
you well till noon ; den after dinner I fight you right smart 
till night ; den, if I don't whip ye, I commence in de morn- 
ing and fight ye hard all day ; and ye had better bring y'r 
grub along with y'r." 

July 13. Wednesday evening we move from our battery 
to a fort in our rear, about 300 feet square, called 

FORT DAVIS, 

after Col. Davis of the 39th Mass., who was killed a few days 
ago on our left. The parapet is at least twelve feet high, 
and broad in proportion, all of earth taken from the moat. 
Our guns are pointing south, on platforms eight feet high, 
but too small and soft to work well. A few trees are stand- 
ing in the fort, and poles and brush are brought in, and we 
make an arbor that makes our tents more comfortable during 
the day; the days are hot, the mornings cool; we have to 
draw up our blankets around us and shiver. 

Capt. Bigelow has gone to the rear, is sick ; we hear 
Lieut. Prescott is sick ; also that Lieut. Reed is trying to get 
discharged; only Lieuts. Milton and Foster are at the front 
now. We are having an easy time : drill one hour easily, 
guard six hours in four days ; also we are getting some vege- 
tables, which we sadly need. 



132 



HISTORY OF THE 



Sunday, 17th. A chaplain held service in the fort; about 
fifty were present. The surroundings were peculiar, as a bat- 
tery was firing off to our right, and the shrieking and burst- 
ing of shells are not parts of regular church service. 

The enemy lets us know every few days where they are by 
throwing a few shell over us, but we have had no casual- 
ties, since we have been here. Our caisson camp is one and 
one half miles to the rear, but since we have had vegetables 
soup is made at camp and brought to the fort. Our water 
was not good, but a well has been dug in the fort, so we are 
better off now ; also at camp of caissons, we dug a well 
about twenty-four feet deep. 




NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. I 33 

Many of our men at the front are not well and are under 
the doctor's care, but choose to remain at the front and do 
the light duty, rather than to go to the rear or hospital. 

July 19. From the 5th of June to the 19th of July we have 
not had rain enough to lay the dust ; now a boun- 

Julv 1 9. . 

tiful rain is falling Our record also says, Gen. 
Warren is here every day ; is not satisfied with the progress 
of fortifying. Col. Lyle is in command here, and no regular 
engineer in charge. Our duties are light, just enough to 
keep us ready for any emergency. Sutlers are estab- 
lishing themselves about here, which is a good sign that the 
paymaster has left Washington for the army. As an example 
of prices we have to pay for the extras we sometimes buy, 
the following is a partial list at this time and place : Flour, 
.06 per lb. ; potatoes, .jo ; onions, .06 ; cheese, .50; butter, 
.75 ; tea, $2.40; shoe blacking, small size, .15. 

July 29. The work of fortifying is done, and now the care 
of our quarters is impressed on us by the following order : — 

Headquarters ist Brigade, 3D Division, 5TH Army Corps. 

July 29, 1864. 
General Orders. No. 17. 

The following police and sanitary regulations for the command 
will be strictly carried out and regimental commanders will be held 
responsible for their thorough observance by the men. 

Each regimental camp will be thoroughly policed every morning 
between the hours of five (5 ) and six (6) o'clock, under the per- 
sonal supervision of a commissioned officer appointed for that pur- 
pose by the regimental commander. 

The ground will be swept clean and all offal, garbage and dirt 
collected and carried outside of the fort and deposited in sink holes 
dug for that purpose by each regiment. 



134 HISTORY OF THE 

The sink holes will be at least one hundred ( ioo) yards from 
the fort, and will be from six (6) to eight (8) feet deep, four (4) 
feet wide and six (6) feet long. 

Every regiment will be furnished with boxes and barrels for each 
company, to hold dirt, slops, garbage, urine, etc. 

No refuse matter whatever will be thrown on the ground, but 
will be placed in the boxes and barrels, which will be emptied into 
the sink holes twice daily, viz. : between the hours of five ( 5 ) and 
six (6) o'clock in the morning, and six (6) and seven ( 7 ) in the 
evening. 

No officer or man will be allowed to urinate within the walls of 
the fort in the daytime. At night urinals may be used. 

Each regiment will have sinks dug at not less than one hundred 
(100) yards from the fort. These sinks will be at -least twenty 
(20) feet in length, and will be properly fitted up and screened. 
A thin layer of dirt will be thrown into the sinks and sink holes 
every morning, until they are filled, when new ones will be dug. 

A sink for the exclusive use of officers of the brigade will be 
also furnished. 

The colonel commanding the brigade, knowing that all officers 
and men must see the necessity of a strict observance of the above 
regulations in the present crowded state of the command, expects 
prompt and cheerful compliance with all measures he may adopt 
to promote comfort, cleanliness, and prevent disease. 

This order will be read to each company in the command. 
By command of Col. Peter Lyle, commanding brigade, 

BYRON PORTER, 

Capt. 6- A. A. G. 

We do not see that much progress is being made in our 
work, yet we feel that some movement is coming soon. 

July 30, at 2.30 A.M., we were called, and ordered to man 
our guns immediately; no fires were to be made. In ten 
minutes we were ready and officers and men waited for orders. 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 1 35 

About 4 30 A.M. a low, muffled rumbling, or dull explosion, 
was heard and felt that shook the ground. Immediately a 
hundred guns opened with a crash, and for two hours the 
roar was incessant. The enemy in front of us opened in a 
few minutes, and threw their shot far off to our right; we 
were not troubled. The fire gradually slackened, till about 
9 A.M., when it ceased, except a short artillery duel occa- 
sionally. Thus ended with us the famous mine explosion, 
The fort blown up was about 1,000 yards from our position, 
June 18, 19 and 20. Many of us visited the lines next day. 
August 6, we were paid off, and money is plenty in camp 

now ; some lost at the gaming table, some fooled 
All£. 6. 

away, debts paid, and many articles of comfort 

bought, and a lit.tle store kept for emergencies. A little 
money is handy to have, but a large amount is too trouble- 
some ; borrowers are too plenty. A few will drink too much, 
and a few will gamble, and some have got a taste for it since 
enlisting; but most want each man to have the full benefit 
of what money he earns as wages. Sunday evening, August 
7, the acting orderly sergeant saw too many signs of gam- 
bling, and laid plans for a raid. When the lookouts were 
all quiet, and the streets of the camp were dark, he* found it 
in full blast; and in sixty seconds had Lieut. Milton looking 
down on the board and ordering them to pass him that 
money and those cards, which was done ; and he put them in 
his pockets with six dollars. Well, there were some strong 
words muttered, and that sergeant was remembered in them 
the remainder of that night, but sunrise and duties of the 
next day ended the matter. The money was spent for sani- 



I36 HISTORY OF THE 

tary rations and distributed among all the men at the fort. 
Some would not take anything bought with that money. 
The next time rations were drawn, extra sugar was bought 
with some of the money ; they all took their share and 
thought somebody had made a mistake. 

August 11. Capt. Bigelow has gone home on sick leave. 
Last night there was considerable firing, and some over us ; 
one shell struck the fort below the parapet, but did no dam- 
age. The provoking cause is a working party who are 
building a heavy battery on the right of the road in front of 
us, near where the picket line crosses the road. The enemy 
fear it will trouble them by and by, so they annoy them all 
they can. 

August 14. The chaplains of the various regiments hold 
religious services every Sabbath near here ; sometimes in the 
fort. Quite a number of our men attend. 

Most of our work is fatigue duty. Nothing that may 
make the place unhealthy is left here. Night and morning 
we police our camp thoroughly, and all is carried out of the 
fort. We fear heavy showers, as many places have been 
filled with sand — that is, quicksand — when it rains. 

August 15. Last night we had a heavy shower. The fort 
was flooded ; the ground was covered one or two inches deep, 
and we lost many of our comforts, and some of our neces- 
saries of life, but we kept dry, as we had our bunks raised 
from the ground. At 10 P.M. we received orders to leave 
the fort, quite unexpected to us. There had been mistakes 
made in building the fort, and many of us got in the ditches, 
which were filled with quicksand; some men could not get 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. I 37 

out alone. At 2 A.M. the Battery came to relieve us, and 
we hauled out. We had hard work ; horses and guns got 
into the ditches, and had to be doubled up to get out, but 
about 3, we were in the camp of the caissons. 

CAMP WELL IN THE WOODS. 

It is a relief to be at the rear ; we can rest some if we have 
to work more. We are again busy cleaning, repairing, 
getting ready for — what next? 

Tuesday, we had a shower which made our camp one sheet 
of water; again, August 17, Wednesday, a heavy shower. 
About midnight a cannonade opened and extended the whole 
length of the line. The roar was incessant, the bursting of 
shells sharp above the roar ; for one hour it was kept up, 
then died away. 

At 3 A.M., August 18, we were ordered out, at 5.30 broke 
camp, and at 7 joined the 5th Corps, a mile in our rear, and 
turned toward the left, on the plank road ; about three miles 
again toward the west, by Dr. Guthrie's house, to Yellow 
Tavern, a station on the 

WELDON RAILROAD. 

We had heard skirmishing for half an hour. Now we hear 
the crack of the three-inch rifles, followed by the heavier 
boom of the brass Napoleons of the 3d Mass. About 2 P.M. 
we were ordered in position on the east side of the railroad, 
about 150 yards from it. As we advanced, a sharp shower 
9 



138 



HISTORY OF THE 



came over and made the ground soft. One of the 3d Mass. 
cannoneers was carried by us, with his arm shattered by- 
premature explosion of his piece. It did not seem pleasant, 




but it made us more careful. We went in battery in a corn- 
field, and threw twelve solid shot towards the enemy. It 
was so soft we could not direct our fire, and we were ordered 
forward ; went through the field and went in battery on a 
plain 600 yards from the woods in front, occupied by the 
enemy's skirmishers. 

There were five or six batteries in line with us ; we shelled 
the enemy's position at the Allen house behind the woods ; 
we could only see the smoke of their firing. We shelled 
them till they stopped, then took our spades and threw up a 
lunette for our guns ; also we got planks from a tobacco house 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 



139 



in our rear and made platforms for our guns, and at 9 P.M. 
turned into our rubber blankets. Our casualty was one man 
slightly wounded, Cornelius F. Sexton. The rain continued 
through the night and part of the next day. 




August 19 dawned and we were early astir, and found a 
good breastwork in front of us. We got what 

August 19. 

lumber we wanted, and made our platforms large 
and comfortable. About 3 P.M. skirmishing began. We 
shelled the woods far to our right to dislodge the skirmishers 
of the enemy, but we did not effect much as our skirmishers 
were forced to retire. Also the line in front of us broke or 
were flanked and retired. Soon we saw a column of the 
enemy marching by the flank toward the rear of the brigade 



140 HISTORY OF THE 

on our right. Gen. Griffin, a little ways in our rear, first saw 
them, and rode up, saying : " See those Rebs ? Fire on 
them, — shell, case, solid shot, anything; ricochet them in, 
give it to them ! " And we did, as fast as we could load. 
There was probably a brigade, as they carried two flags ; soon 
not one was to be seen. Some of the ist Brigade, 3d Div., 
5th Corps were captured, some of the 39th Mass. and 16th 
Maine. So ended the second day. 

We have been so busy that we do not know our neighbors, 
but when we visit them we find the situation as follows : We 
are nearly at the right of the 5 th Corps, our right gun is at 
the right of the front line of works ; the 16th Maine Regiment 
continues the line towards the rear, and about 400 yards to the 
rear the 9th Corps joins our right. On our left, the 5th New 
York Regiment carries the line towards the rear about 100 
yards to Battery D, 5th U. S. ; then another regiment con- 
tinues the line towards the front, where are Batteries B and 
H, ist New York, on a line with us pointing north toward 
Petersburg ; and then the line turns south, with Capt. Hart's 
15th Independent New York Battery, and one other facing 
west. The railroad was about the centre of these works 
between Batteries D, 5th U. S., and B, ist New York. The 
irregular shape of the works was because of the depressions 
of the ground. 

August 21, Sunday morning. A quiet day was yesterday; 
fair weather again. We are anticipating a quiet day, and 
many are preparing to write letters, as it has been so wet we 
could not do so. About 8 A.M., there was some commotion 
on our left. We jumped on our breastworks and saw a line 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 14I 

of battle advancing. The enemy were met by a heavy fire 
from two batteries facing the left, or west ; they soon broke 
and we saw two battleflags moving to the woods. Then a 
line of batteries opened in their rear, and for an hour we were 
under the heaviest enfilading fire we ever experienced ; but 
most fortunately but few shell burst. A large number buried 
in the ground between our limber and guns ; one struck im- 
mediately under Lieut. Milton and buried in the soft wet 
ground ; he passed on, saying, " a miss is as good as a mile." 
One shell passed through the tarpaulin of the first gun on 
the left ; cutting a sleeve out of an overcoat near the next 
gun ; cutting the prolonge off the next gun ; yet no one was 
hit, and no other damage was done. Considerable talk was 
made because the enemy fired railroad iron at us. A piece 
was picked up near our front, but it proved to be a piece 
broken out of a rail by a cannon ball striking it sidewise. 
Very soon after, the enemy made another attack still further 
to our left, but were repulsed with considerable loss. 

About 10, we were again startled by their appearing in 
our immediate front ; coming out, forming line of battle for a 
charge, and lying down while the second line was forming. 
Gen. Griffin, of the ist Division, was near; being a regular 
artillery officer, said, " Give them case shot; ricochet them 
right in!" Our canister were brought up and laid beside 
the guns, and soon we had case shot skipping along to their 
lines. They were cut so as to burst in front of them, and 
eighty-four rounds was all they could stand. Batteries B and 
H, New York, had an oblique fire on them, but Battery D, 
ist U. S., could not see them. 



142 HISTORY OF THE 

The lines of battle never advanced, but threw out skir- 
mishers about 300 yards, with orders to pick off the 
gunners of that battery (ours). The fire was so severe 
that the line broke ; the skirmishers were covered by 
a ditch, and could not retire nor show themselves. Some 
of them came in as prisoners and told us of their 
orders. 

When the enemy's line appeared, most of our guns had no 
case shot, but orders had gone to the caissons for fresh 
limbers, and in the excitement some of the guns fired 
canister. Some of the officers in the 5th New York Regi- 
ment were worried because the left gun did not fire. 
They were told, " We shall not waste our canister now ; 
they will not go half way there, and we shall want them 
by and by; a solid shot will do no more good than a 
musket ball, and will embolden them more." Just then 
the limber came up, and the case shot were cut one 
second time. 

Later in the day, the 9th Corps were engaged, and a 
brigade, in which were the 57th and 59th Mass. Regiments, 
suffered severely and lost some prisoners. 

For some time we have been troubled with diarrhoea, and 
some cases of chills. It was reported among us that the 
enemy had got us now where they wanted us, and that soon 
malaria would carry us off faster than the fighting had done. 
Our water was bad, but soon we had wells that gave us good 
water, and quinine and whisky was served pretty regularly 
through August and September, and some of us were served 
with quinine pills. 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. I43 

September 2. We have been quietly lying in battery in 

the same place; our caissons came up, and we 

S6Dt 2 
v ' ' were all together. At midnight we were ordered 

to be ready to march. At 2 A.M. we hauled out, went 

across the railroad and down the pike towards Reams Station. 

The 3d Division, 5th Corps, filed in before us, the cavalry 

being in the advance, and made a reconnoissance toward the 

west, through forests which were supposed to cover the 

enemy. Scarcely a shot was heard all the morning. About 

two miles below, the infantry massed in an opening on the 

right of the road, and the cavalry advanced into a piece of 

woods, but found no enemy. We returned to near the left 

of the front line, and another reconnoisance was made, but 

no enemy found. 

Those who were mounted saw a beautiful sight at sunrise. 
A low-lying fog covered the ground ; as we passed over a rise, 
a camp of our own came in sight, and we saw it over the fog. 
It seemed to be a great way off, and the tents looked as 
large as houses, and some standing chimneys twenty feet 
high seemed to be one hundred feet. We were all puzzled at 
first about it. 

About 7 o'clock, we had orders to go back to camp, but we 
did not go in battery there; we remained in park. About 2 
P.M., orders came to break camp, and we took our line of 
march south, by Yellow Tavern, one mile to a new, square- 
bastioned fort, which commanded the southwest angle of our 
lines. 

We find the fort about one half done ; one bastion only 
was finished. We placed our guns in the best positions in 



144 HISTORY OF THE 

the fort, the right gun in the salient of the bastion, command- 
ing from northwest to southwest, and the second in the other 
angle to the southwest. The sand was so soft that we could 
not work our guns. The next morning, Lieut. Milton saw 
the difficulty, and, at the suggestion of one of his sergeants, 
ordered a floor of poles to be laid. The first detachment 
commenced the platform for the gun, and before it was done, 
Gen. Warren came around, and seeing our work, asked the 
sergeant if the platform was large enough, who said the gun 
would recoil off of it. He then ordered the engineers to 
make it larger. Hardly a day passed without his visiting the 
fort. It was a fine, strong work, but they were slow about it. 
The General found fault with the engineers because they 
were so slow. Said he, one day, "You don't know how soon 
you will have to drop the spade and take your guns ; we may 
be attacked any moment, and here you sit around and do as 
little as you can. I don't believe a man will stand up and 
fight that will not work at a time like this." At another 
time, he was passing near, when one of our men was told to 
relieve another ; he said he had been at work all the morn- 
ing. Gen. Warren said, " Before the war a man had to work 
ten hours a day." 

The fort seemed to be a rendezvous for officers ; Gen. 
Grant was there several times. At one time I saw Gen. 
Grant and his father; another, Gen. Grant and Gen. Wallace 
met Gen. Warren on the parapet for half an hour. 

In the current news of the day, we frequently see some- 
thing to connect us with something we saw a quarter of a 
century ago. The Cincinnati Commercial Gazette of January 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. I45 

20, 1885, has the following interview with Gen. Wallace, in 
which he says: "In July, 1864, after I was restored to the 
command of the Department of Maryland, by telegraph from 
Gen. Grant, I received by mail a private note from him, 
inviting me, when my department was clear of Rebels, to visit 
him at City Point for a couple of weeks, bringing my horse; 
which I did, spending two weeks there as his guest." 

Sunday, the 25th of September, at about 3.30, Gens. 
Grant, Mead, Humphreys, Warren, Senator Washburn of 
Illinois, and Secretary Seward, came to the fort and appeared 
to be in consultation for an half hour. 

September 28. There was a flag raising in the fort, called 

FORT DUCHESNE; 

named after a colonel of a New Jersey regiment killed near 
here. We have a fine magazine here, bomb proof ; first, 
logs, then railroad iron, then earth and logs outside. 

In the afternoon we signed the pay rolls for two months. 
At night had orders to be ready to march at 4 A.M. ; at mid- 
night, were called to be paid; at 3 A.M., called to breakfast 
of baked beans ; 4.30, horses came to fort ; at 6.30, Gregg's 
cavalry began to file past down the Halifax road ; about one 
half mile below, formed en masse, part going towards Reams 
Station, and were engaged till after dark. The enemy used 
artillery and blew up one caisson. We unharnessed at 7 
P.M. ; quiet all night. We now feel uneasy, not knowing 
whether we are going to stay here or go ; we only stay here ; 
our home is broken up. 



I46 HISTORY OF THE 

October 5. About 4 P.M., we had orders to pack up, and 
in forty minutes we were hauling out and went 

Oct. 5. ., u . u 

about two miles to the right to 

FORT HOWARD, 

relieving the nth Mass. Battery, which is to join its corps, 
the 9th, which has gone to Poplar Grove Church. We much 
prefer going into new works and camps, as they are much 
cleaner. This was much better than the average, but we 
were glad to get out. 

We have been living pretty well, and as the weather grows 
cooler we' can thrive on our rations. Our health is better, 
and we do our work easier ; the water does not hurt us so 
much ; malaria has disappeared, and only a few men are in the 
hospital now. By reference to data, we find that at this time 
we had to pay five cents for small apples ; twelve cents per 
pound for potatoes ; onions, fifteen cents ; cheese, fifty to 
sixty cents; butter, eighty cents, etc. 

October 15. Five recruits came; one of them was dis- 
charged from the Battery for disability in the spring of '63. 

October 19. An old man was discharged. He was too 
enfeebled to do our duty, and the commanding officer sent for 
the surgeon to examine him. Surgeon came ; old man was 
sent for ; appeared, hat in hand, white head uncovered ; 
officer said he was of no use as he could not do duty. " How 
old are you ? " — " Sixty-two."— " How old did you enlist 
for?"— -Forty-three." 

October 22. The Battery was reorganized today ; six de- 
tachments ; expect to have two more guns. 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 147 

There are lookouts all along the lines from the James River 
to this place. There is one in front of this fort, a large, high 
pine tree ; rough ladders are made on it, and we go up sixty 
or seventy feet; can see the enemy's works from it. We 
sometimes go out there and look around ; can see move- 
ments quite a distance, and the picket lines for a mile or 
more. 

October 25. Orders were received about 2 P.M., to haul 
out and go to camp of caissons. In the morning, orders 
came to put everything in marching order to move the 
next night. At 9 P.M., we were ordered to be ready to 
move at 5 A.M. At daylight we started; went to the yellow 
house, where we joined the 3d Brigade, 1st Division, 5th 
Corps, and moved toward the South Side Railroad by Fort 
Cummings, occupied by the 11th Mass. Battery. We were 
in the woods all the way ; only small clearings, not a half 
mile across. 

We halted at Armstrong's plantation, near the mill on 

HATCHER'S RUN. 

We went to the bank of the run, and built a bridge and cause- 
way, but did not cross, but covered the 3d Division, 5th 
Corps. The 2d Corps recrossed during the night and morn- 
ing after their disaster. We went in battery and covered the 
crossing, and retired by sections for about a mile, until we 
gained the cover of the woods. A short distance beyond the 
run was said to be a gallows, on which a Union man was 
hung with a grape vine. 



I48 HISTORY OF THE 

Mr. Armstrong, a typical resident of the country, outside 
the lines, was a man over sixty ; too old and feeble to be of 
use in the army, but whose sons were there. He said he 
bought a barrel of flour in Petersburg a few days before, pay- 
ing $400 for it in Confederate money. 

Just before we gained the cover of the woods, the enemy 
came out in a skirmish line to the other side of the run, and 
shouted, yelled ; tried to frighten somebody. 

We followed the 3d Division home, going in camp about 
2 o'clock. The Battery wagon, forge and baggage wagons, 
with the men of the two other detachments which had been 
sent to City Point, soon rejoined us. 

ISLAND CAMP. 

Our officers chose a knoll, almost surrounded by a run, 
for our camp. It contained about two acres and was one of 
the best sites we ever camped on. 

November 5. We received two guns today. Only Lieuts. 
Milton and Foster are with the Battery ; do not 

Nov. 5. 

hear from the other two lieutenants, whether they 
are coming back or not. 

November 6, Sunday. We had a mounted inspection 
today; two of the sergeants are acting chiefs of sections. 

The following letter was written by one of the sergeants 
at this date : 

I was on guard last night : the air was heavy and cold ; the 
moon was in its second quarter and bright ; not a breath of air was 
stirring; the monotonous sound of the clank of the guard's sabre 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. I49 

was distinct ; the crack of the picket guns was dull but continuous ; 
withal it was a night for sitting close to the campfire and keeping 
wide awake. About 1 1 o'clock, one half hour before the moon dis- 
appeared, I heard a drum beat far to the right. In about one half 
hour, suddenly a dull crackling roar commenced, a sound that the 
soldier well knows means work. 

It was a charge on one side or the other, and in about five min- 
utes the artillery opened, and for more than two hours each half 
minute was broken by the booming of cannon and mortar, and the 
bursting of shell, and frequently by a volley so rapid that they could 
not be counted. In addition to this, the echo was so perfect that 
it seemed as if the whole heavens were full of thunder, as I never 
heard before the rattle and roar so incessant. All this was under- 
laid by the rattle of musketry, and so continued the remainder of 
the night. The cause I do not know, but the next day about 1 
P.M., about 100 prisoners went by. 

November 8, was election day, and was observed here. An 
informal vote for President was taken ; result, Abraham 
Lincoln, 98 ; Gen. McClellan, 22 ; S. A. Douglas, 1 ; total, 
121. The election passed off quietly. It has rained some 
for a week past, but our camp is excellent. 

November 13. We are drilling all the pleasant weather, 
and we find it necessary to do so to keep our old men in 
working" order, besides the recruits that have come. We 
commenced stables, but we do not know whether we shall use 
them or not. We have to build a wind-break 250 feet long of 
pine boughs. 

November 15. We have thirty men in the woods cutting 

timber for stockades. We are in a fine growth of 

Nov 15 

long leaved pine, which we are cutting up eight 

feet long and splitting in planks ; we are at work with a will, 



I50 HISTORY OF THE 

as we have some cold days and we wish to get housed before 
Thanksgiving. Many are making preparations for it ; boxes 
are coming from Massachusetts with goods for a Thanksgiv- 
ing dinner. 

November 16. We have our monthly inspection today, 
and it was a terror to some of us. Lieut. Dresser of the 
regular army was " up and dressed," with some commissary 
inside, but it was the best inspection we ever had. The bat- 
tery drill was " with a rush," and some of the boys were 
thrown off ; one order could not be executed before the bugler 
was giving another. He kept us on the trot or gallop for 
thirty minutes. We were making a countermarch in line; 
one of the caissons got tangled, and some traces unhitched, 
and was about 150 yards behind. As he turned to give 
another order, still on the trot, he saw it and started for it 
with the query : " What in hell are you doing away there ? " 
and he was there before he was through with the remark. 
But he was not done with us ; he gave us some lessons in 
harnessing and unharnessing and hanging up, that we never 
had before. 

November 26. We have Thanksgiving today, Saturday. 
We have an abundant supply of turkey, potatoes, pies, bread, 
doughnuts, apples, etc. Most of it was a special donation to 
the 9th Battery from West Roxbury ; it lasted two or three 
days. 

We have considerable rain, and rumor says it has prevented 
another movement. The rank and file do not know much of 
plans till they are executed, but Dame Rumor knows every- 
thing. 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. I 5 I 

There was some growling at our large fatigue parties, but 
before winter we were glad of it. Our camp was laid out and 
built before the 30th of November. Our huts, or houses, 
were the best we have had, and thanks to our officers, who 
planned and had them built 

On the north side of our park were the officers' quarters ; 
next south, two rows of houses, eighteen in each row, facing 
each other, running east and west. Each house was ten feet 
by six feet six inches inside, five feet six inches high, built in 
pairs, with chimney between, and fireplace in each in the cen- 
tre of the sides, two tiers of bunks across the back, and a door 
in the front end, made of cracker boxes, and each house cov- 
ered with four shelter tents. Our planks were about three 
inches thick, set on end in a trench, well fitted together so as 
to need no calking with mud. Most of the tents had a table, 
and were supplied with stools, boxes, blocks, according to the 
fancy of the occupants. At the east end of the street, were the 
guard tents ; at the west, the guns were parked. South of 
the quarters of the men was the stable, and west, the quarter- 
master and commissary tents, and artificers, teamsters, etc. 
I am thus particular about our quarters, because of the 
contrast with our quarters of the first winter, and its conse- 
quent effect on us. 

December 4. The following is recorded at that date : 
"I hear that the Battery stands at the head of the 
batteries of the Corps, in health, general appear- 
ance, and efficiency, and I know that the Battery has im- 
proved 100 per cent, since we left Fort Warren, August 15, 
in general appearance and health. As for efficiency, we have 



152 HISTORY OF THE 

done all we have been asked to do in any place we have been 
put, and are always ready for service. I have heard many 
times that we were thought much of at headquarters, and 
if Gen. Crawford needs a battery for anything the 9th 
Massachusetts is ordered out. We are full of men now, and 
recruits are refused because we are full. Men are coming 
back from the hospitals every week." 

December 6. Again we are under marching orders, and 
the camp is full of rumors : That the 3d Division is going to 
Washington as the nucleus of a new corps ; that we are going 
south ; that we are going to the left ; that we are going to the 
rear as a reserve, and it does not make much difference to 
us where we go. One thing is certain, some movement is 
going on, as the 5th Corps is going to the rear, being 
relieved by the 6th Corps. At night our orders were to 
march at 6 A.M. ; four guns, six caissons, forge and two 
baggage wagons. Our two guns remaining relieve two of 
the 5th Massachusetts in a fort. 

December 7. Daylight. Orders received to report to 
Gen. Ayers, 2d Division, 5th Corps. On joining his division, 
we found the 5th Corps, one division of the 2d Corps, four 
batteries of four guns each, the 2d Division of cavalry, with 
two or three batteries moving southeast. We were with this 
division during the entire expedition. We struck the 
Jerusalem plank road one and one half miles below our lower 
line of works, three miles east of the Weldon Railroad, and 
followed it for about fifteen miles ; turned to the right about 
4 P.M., and camped in a cornfield not harvested. We fed 
our horses from the field, but got no water fit for man or 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 1 53 

beast ; the best was from a swamp near by. During the day 
it rained, but at night cleared off. We had plenty of rails, 
and there was no lack for fires. 

December 8. At 2 A.M., we fed, got coffee, and at 4 
covered the mile and a quarter to the 

NOTTOWAY RIVER; 

crossed on a pontoon bridge. It was so dark we had to trust 
our horses more than ourselves, but we crossed safely, and 
went up a steep bank, covered with trees, to a field, where 
we halted till the whole army was across. We made about 
three miles before sunrise ; soon we turned south. There 
were in the corps many men who were recruits and conva- 
lescents, and their light marching order was too heavy, and 
here, as they halted to get breakfast, they lightened their 
load ; but I don't think one of our men threw away anything, 
but some brought home more blankets than they started 
with. 

The 3d Division had the advance, and at Chambers' 
plantation, struck the railroad. They were met by the 
enemy's cavalry, and charged, routed them, took and 
destroyed the railroad bridge across the Nottoway, and also 
the railroad. The rear of the column struck the railroad 
about four miles below. 

About sunset it grew cold and began to freeze. We had 
got considerable forage, pigs, turkeys, chickens, sorghum 
syrup, and apple-jack; we had plenty to eat that night, but 
slept cold. 

10 



154 HISTORY OF THE 

December 9. This was an easy day with us ; while the 
infantry were tearing up the railroad, we slowly marched 
along with them, making about ten miles that day. We got 
one or two small cattle, so at night we were supplied with 
beef. About 3 P.M. we halted on the bank of a small 
creek, an effluent of the Meherrin River. Here the cavalry 
met more opposition ; a body of the enemy with one gun 
disputed their progress, but were finally driven in. There 
the country was swampy. One division crossed the creek, 
and made a demonstration toward Bellfield and Hicksford ; 
found a chain of forts covering the river, armed with 
eighteen guns, and this side several miles of swamp. 
Gen. Warren's mission was completed, and the road was 
so thoroughly destroyed that here he halted and prepared to 
return. 

From a house near by a lieutenant of cavalry was shot, 
and the fine buildings were soon in flames, and 1,000 bushels 
of corn were carried off or burned, and a large pile of new 
rails kept us comfortable until morning. As a storm was 
coming on, we pitched tarpaulins to the windward of the fire 
and slept warm. 

In the small hours of the morning, cavalry officers gath- 
ered about the fires, having been on picket all night. The 
night was severe, rainy and cold ; the rain froze as fast as it 
fell ; in the morning the horses were all blanketed with ice, 
everything covered. Soon after daylight we were ready to 
move, and it was very uncomfortable for the first few hours. 
The cavalry covered us as we marched toward Sussex Court 
House. 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. . 1 55 

It was said that we found many men murdered who 
had left the column for foraging or straggling. At Sussex 
Court House it was said a safeguard was left and found 
murdered. I saw many buildings on fire, and it was said 
that we burnt everything we came to. One thing is cer- 
tain, the burning was approved by the commanders, and 
there was some cause for it ; probably murders were the 
cause of it. We believed it at the time. We camped near 
corps headquarters about three miles from Sussex Court 
House, and passed a very comfortable night ; got quite a lot 
of rice. During the day there was some skirmishing in 
our rear, and the light guns of the horse artillery were 
in action, but there was no serious hindrance to our 
march. 

At 8 A.M., December 11, we resumed our march, and at 
9.30 passed the Court House, and at 2 P.M., crossed the 
Nottoway on our return. We found a division of the 9th 
Corps on the farther bank to cover our crossing, and there 
was some shelling after we were safely across. We went up 
on the plank road about two miles and camped. It had been 
growing cold all the afternoon, and as we passed between two 
houses on fire we found quite a contrast in the temperature. 
We were dry and did not suffer. The command did not 
wait long for stragglers, and many had to swim the river to 
escape the guerrillas. 

We pitched some tents and were quite comfortable, although 
the ground was freezing. About dark an infantryman came to 
one of our fires, wet through, minus gun, ammunition, knap- 
sack; said he was pursued by guerrillas and swam the river 



I56 HISTORY OF THE 

to save himself. He stood by the fire most of the night to 
keep from freezing. 

December 12. About 8 A.M., we pry up the wheels of 
our guns out of three inches of frozen mud and 
resume our march and it was a hard march for 
many. Some of the infantry who prided themselves on 
being well shod when we started, were seen with a pair of 
grain or calf top-boots on their backs, slung over musket or 
sword, and picking their way along so carefully barefoot or 
in stockings that mounted men and gun teams had to turn 
out for fear of toppling them over, and we again see the 
value of Government boots and shoes. 

We arrive home at 3 P.M., and happy are we. It is the 
coldest day so far * we were cold riding ; glad to walk. Our 
cannoneers were footsore but wore their boots home. No 
man was sick, no horse gave out ; and in two days' time we 
look back with pleasure on the expedition, having got rested 
and cleaned up. Capt. Bigelow came back while we were 
gone. 

Our stories are told, and we resume our camp life ; but we 
do not enjoy our fine situation and nicely arranged quarters 
long, as the Corps has gone in camp about three miles below 
here, and we shall have to go there too. 

WINTER QUARTERS, 1864-65. 

December 15. Orders came to move our camp back to the 
5th Corps, and in three days, with about fifteen teams, it was 
done, all but our fireplaces. Our camp was laid out and we 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 1 57 

were just beginning to put up our stockades, when Gen. 
Wainright, chief of artillery, said there was a prospect we 
should move again, and we stopped work, pitched our shelter 
tents, and awaited orders. 

Again we note Lieut. Foster has gone home. We have 
marching orders, our guns only; 0-0 to garrison a 

Dec. 19. 

fort, and December 19, about 3 P.M., Capt. Bige- 

low, Lieut. Milton, two sergeants, six gunners, forty-two men 
and six guns start for Fort Rice, about three miles to the 
right in the 9th Corps lines, a little to the left of our position 
the 18th to 20th of June. We filed over the railroad bridge 
on to a plateau in sight of the enemy's lines for two miles, 
and a quarter of a mile back from our own works. 

We soon found out what was the meaning of those cannon- 
ades we have been hearing for four months, but did not see 
or take part in. We were halted, and Capt. Bigelow and 
bugler rode to the fort to find the position we were to occupy. 
The enemy had seen us and began to throw shell from a 
mortar battery on to us. It was something new for us, but 
not for them, to see a battery outlined against the sky. It 
was a beautiful sight to see those eight and ten-inch shells 
cutting their parabola of fire against the darkening sky. 
Most of their shot fell short, and none fell on us, although it 
seemed as if they would. They came nearer ; one of the 
swing drivers, who had never been under fire, became 
nervous. As it came farther overhead, he began to slide off 
his horse, ran to a little hollow and stooped down in it ; 
finding it did not mean him, he got up and mounted again, 
amid the laughter of his comrades. 



I58 HISTORY OF THE 

Capt. Bigelow reported to the commander of the battery 
there, who said, " Well, you cannot come in till after dark ; 
they will see you and shell you." Capt. Bigelow told him if 
he would get his battery out of his way, he would come in ; 
which he consented to do. He took his battery out by a 
covered way. Ere his last gun was out, we were trotting 
over the plain under the fire of all the enemy's mortars and 
a large number of guns. Probably all the guns that could be 
brought to bear were opened on us; some said 100 guns 
were opened on us. 

We place five guns in battery in the fort, and one in a 
battery on the railroad bed where the lines cross it. In the 
morning we find ourselves in an irregular earthwork about 
seven feet high, well built and full of cabins built of cracker 
boxes, covered with shelter tents. We find the 36th Mass. 
Regiment camp just back of us; they are doing picket duty 
in front of us. 

Our stay in this fort was quiet and dull ; abundant time to 
study, read or write. Once during our stay the enemy made 
it lively for us, and shells fell thick around us, one strik- 
ing within a few feet of my tent, but doing no damage. 

December 25. Oar two weeks' garrison duty is ended and 
our relief arrives, also our horses from our camp at winter 
quarters In the gathering twilight we limber up and go 
back to our camp, arriving about 7 P.M. Find we have to 
sleep under shelter tents again ; the camp is laid out, but the 
stockades are not done. Our quarters here are much larger 
than we have had, and are arranged for eight men each, and 
December 30 we occupy them. 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 1 59 

There is not much beauty to our camp ; it will do for a 
winter camp, but not summer. It is in the edge of pine 
woods, and we soon have a stable floored and shingled with 
pine cut three feet long and split very well. Our artillery 
is parked on a knoll ; next west is a row of eighteen stock- 
ades ; south of them, orderly sergeant's tent; north, artificer, 
quartermaster, commissary sergeant, stable sergeant, team- 
sters, etc. ; next west is stable ; west of orderly sergeant, 
clerk ; next west, officers' quarters, and north of those, cook- 
house. 

January 4, 1865. Lieut. Reed is in camp again, but not 
, , „„. on duty. He has been away from the Battery so 

Jan. 4, 1865. . * , f . . , y f . /. 

long that we (the men) do not know anything 
about him. Neither Lieuts. Prescott or Reed have done any 
duty in the Battery that I have any record of since we arrived 
at Petersburg. Sometimes we hear of their being sick in 
camp, at the rear, then are away; so that we are none the 
better off, and it will put us in more effective shape when they 
are discharged, and men put in their places who are on duty. 

The paymaster is abroad again ; always welcome to the 
soldier, officer or private. 

January 10. We have mounted inspection, complimentary 
to Maj. Bigelow, who is discharged and goes home soon. He 
issued a farewell address to the Battery as follows : 

Winter Quarters, Va. January 10, 1865. 
To the gth Battery Massachusetts I 'ols. 

Now that the command is comfortably settled in winter quarters, 
having received an honorable discharge on account of disability, 
I take my leave of you. 



l60 HISTORY OF THE 

To me the past is filled with pleasant memories and it is hard 
to say the word, " Farewell." 

We first met nearly two years ago within the fortifications of 
Washington, when as yet, you were untried soldiers. 

Today we part in the field, and you are veterans, who have won 
an enviable name by your gallantry and blazoned your colors by 
your valor. 

Many valued comrades, that started, are no longer with you. 
From the battlefield and the hospital, they have spoken their last 
"farewells." Ever cherish their memories and emulate their 
virtues. Guard well the reputation they have helped you to estab- 
lish. This can only be done by strict discipline and ready 
obedience. 

You have yet a brilliant future before you under my successor 
whom you have long known only to respect. 

That you may be safely returned to your friends with a record 
ever creditable alike to yourselves and your State, 

Is the earnest wish of your late Captain, 

JOHN BIGELOW. 

Lieut. Milton is now captain ; First Sergt. Geo. Murray, 
lieutenant ; Sergt. Park, first sergeant. 

One of our men wrote home as follows : " It is pretty dull 
here now, but only 200 clays more of service, of which thirty- 
three are guard duty and the same of regular fatigue ; three 

times mustered for pay, marching miles, fighting 

battles, perhaps; 2,000 hard tack, 75 pounds of pork, 125 
pounds of beef, to eat, 72 gallons coffee to drink, part of it 
every day, and it will soon be done. " 

January 11. Brevet Major Bigelow leaves today for home. 
One year and eleven months ago he arrived at Upton's Hill 
and took command of a " thoroughly demoralized body of 
men" (according to Gov. Andrew), the 9th Mass. Battery, 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. l6l 

and today he leaves the Battery full well equipped, in the 
command of his youngest lieutenant, whose work with the 
Battery at Gettysburg, Weldon Railroad, Hatcher's Run 
and Rowan ty Creek, has made him a name with the 5th 
Corps and the whole army. Our banners now are inscribed 
with Gettysburg, Mine Run, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, 
North Anna, Bethesda Church, Tolopotomy Creek, Peters- 
burg, Weldon Railroad ; then we had only Annandale. 
Many of them were bloodless, but all made work for us. 

January 22. As our guns go in Fort Rice, all is quiet 
when we go in this time. 

January 27. General order, No. 126, for promotion; 
Second Lieut. Murray to be first lieutenant; First Sergt. 
Park to be second lieutenant, and George Booth, a civilian, 
to be second lieutenant ; L. W. Baker to be first sergeant, 
and Stable Sergt. Knight to be sergeant. 

February 4. We go to Fort Rice for our guns, and as 
„ , , soon as we return to camp an order comes to pre- 

Feb. 4. . . 

pare to march in the morning with four guns, six 
caissons, with eight horses on each, ten pairs coming from 
the 5th Battery. Capt. Milton is at home on leave, and 
Lieut. Foster is in command now, and will be in command if 
we march. 

HATCHER'S RUN. 

February 5. At 6 A.M., we are ready and file out of park 
and go toward the left ; we find the 5th Corps in motion, and 
our place in the column ; march down the Halifax road to 



1 62 HISTORY OF THE 

near Reams Station. Some of the time we are on the 
Weldon Railroad roadbed ; anywhere to get along. We 
turned to the right and west on the old military road running 
to Dinwiddie Court House ; two or three miles brought us to 
Rowanty Creek. The crossing of the creek was defended by 
a breastwork, a small force and one or two small guns ; they 
were quickly dispersed and about twenty prisoners taken. 

We lost no time, but pressed on till about 8 P.M., when we 
suddenly countermarched and went back about a mile, and 
were ordered by an aid-de-camp to park in a field on our left. 
The forward gun and caisson turned into the field, and soon 
were in the mud to the axles, and to the bellies of the horses ; 
the second gun also plunged in. There was no officer near, 
and the orderly sergeant halted the caisson and turned it into 
a road in the edge of the woods, and as the other guns came 
up turned them in there also, and rode to find the commander 
and reported. On his arrival he approved of the action, and 
we at once took measures to get out our stalled guns. Soon 
the horses were all unharnessed, and after some struggling 
they were all got out ; and by putting three prolonges 
together, we manned them with sixty men, and drew the 
guns out. It was the worst "stick in the mud" we ever got. 

There were rumors that we were close to the enemy's 
pickets, but we saw our own pickets in the edge of the woods, 
and were not attacked. 

About 4 A.M. we hauled out and went back about one 
half mile, turned to the left, and about daylight came to 
Hatcher's Run, and went in park on the southeast side of 
the stream, in rear of a bridge built by the engineers, and 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 1 63 

in rear of the ist Brigade, 3d Division, and lay quiet till 
toward night. 

There had been some skirmishing all day ; in the afternoon, 
it became heavier and some charges were made near our 
front. Between 4 and 5, the enemy massed a force, trying 
to break through the right of the 5th Corps, and the left of 
the 2d Corps. The assault was quite heavy and fierce. They 
succeeded in breaking the line and forcing it back ; there 
was a panic in our front, and our infantry came back through 
a field in sight of us. 

Fifth Corps and Army headquarters had been established 
near our right. An aid came up and ordered us to go in 
battery where we stood, and it puzzled the chief of the line 
of caissons to countermarch six caissons behind four guns. 
Our position covered the crossing of the creek and the field 
beyond. Our guns were shotted and ready for the appear- 
ance of the enemy; for thirty minutes we waited, but the 
enemy had been checked before they appeared in our front. 
We remained at our posts till about 4 A.M., when we 
unharnessed. 

During the panic a great many infantry came back across 
the bridge and sought the cover of our battery. Lieut. 
Booth, in command of the left section, drew his sabre and 
ordered them to halt, saying, " You shall not come through 
my section." 

February 6. But very little sleep we get. At 6 A.M. 
our guns were ordered across the bridge into a line of 
breastworks, our caissons remaining where they were at first. 
Gen. Warren laid out a new line of works, from the left of 



164 HISTORY OF THE 

the old line, crossing through our park of caissons, crossing 
Hatcher's Run some distance below. 

While Gen. Warren was running the line, with two or three 
orderlies, having passed his headquarters tent 200 yards, 
and having 200 or 300 yards more to stake out, Gen. Meade 
and staff rode up to his tent. An aid, seeing him at a 
little distance, rode to him and told him of the arrival of 
Gen. M. He continued his line till the last stake was 
driven, when he mounted and rode to his quarters to meet 
Gen. Meade. 

About 10 A.M., the morning of February 10, we were 
relieved and returned to camp, having been gone six days. 

February 21. A number of men from the 1st Mass. 
Battery are assigned to this Battery, and twenty-two of them 
came today; also two recruits, making 190 men now on our 
rolls. We have to build more quarters to accommodate them. 
Whenever we get any pleasant weather and good going, we 
improve it by battery drills, and February 23 was one of 
those days. 

Just as we went in park, orders came to be ready to move 
at a moment's notice. We remained harnessed till 9 P.M., 
when we unharnessed and turned in, although we were to be 
in readiness to march at short notice, but no orders came. 
About 3 A.M. it commenced to rain. Capt. Milton came 
back last night. 

We were paid February 27. Also forty-seven men came 
from the 1st Mass. Battery. Lieut. Murray went home on 
furlough two days ago. 

March 4. The guns go to Fort Rice today. All is quiet. 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 1 65 

March 12. The consolidation of Battery A's men with the 
Qth was completed today, and there are 2ig men 

Mar. 12. : , y _ 

in camp tor duty now; one first sergeant, six ser- 
geants and eight corporals will be mustered out soon, I 
suppose. Some of our men are away yet, but they are 
returning every day, and bringing pretty things, which make 
us who do not go home uneasy. 

March 19. The orders are issued reducing the batteries of 
the 2d, 5th and 6th Corps to nine batteries of four guns 
each ; and our battery is too large to handle in quick move- 
ments, and we are ordered, when the army moves, to report 
to the artillery reserve of the 9th Corps. Our guns are in 
the 9th Corps lines already. The other battery sent from 
the 5th Corps is B, 1st Pennsylvania. 

March 21. Lieut. Park left for home on leave of absence, 
and the enemy celebrated the event by shelling the fort. 
More than thirty six and eight-inch mortar shells dropped 
about the fort ; only two fell within the fort, but they were 
quite harmless, as none burst. We are expecting to move. 

March 23. We pack our surplus clothing to send to 
Massachusetts, all that we can get along without through 
spring and summer campaign. 

March 25. While we were in line for roll call at reveille, 
the attack on Fort Steadman commenced. The fort is six or 
eight miles from us, and four or five miles to the right of 
Fort Rice, yet the attack was heard very distinctly, and our 
officers dismissed the line immediately. Before we got to 
the stables, orders came to harness, and soon our limbers 
and caissons started toward Fort Rice. About half way 



l66 HISTORY OF THE 

there, they were halted and remained there till about 10 
o'clock A.M., when they returned to camp. There were 
about eighty men in camp unassigned to any detachment. 
March 27. Orders came to break camp and report to the 

NINTH CORPS. 

It has been quiet here for several days ; we know that the 
army is being prepared for a final grapple with the enemy. 
Like an enormous boa constrictor, the folds have been drawn 
tighter and tighter, and reaching farther and farther toward 
its vitals (source of supplies), and the time is coming soon 
when one great, crushing blow will be struck. We break 
camp March 28, a pleasant morning, and go to near 9th 
Corps headquarters. There is not much mud; the strong 
winds of March have brushed out the marks of winter, filled 
up the ruts, dried up the pools, and dust is everywhere, except 
when rain is falling. 

We are camped on a knoll a mile in the rear and in sight 
of Fort Rice, where our guns still are. There is plenty going 
on here, as the troops are passing in our front. 

March 29. Wednesday morning, from 1 o'clock to day- 
light the bugles were sounding "boots and saddles" and a 
large body of cavalry is in motion toward the left, also the 
Army of the James under Gen. Ord ; and Thursday night the 
ball opened. A large number of mortars on both sides were 
in action. The track of the shells was plainly seen from our 
camp; a curve of light, sometimes terminating in a flash, as 
the shells exploded in the air ; sometimes eight or ten were 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 167 

in the air at one time. Tuesday night at 11 P.M. we had to 
detail a guard to go to 9th Corps headquarters. While there 
we heard that 120,000 men were to march the next morning. 
Our camp is not very regular; our shelter tents are pitched 
and we make ourselves comfortable. 

March 30. A great deal of heavy cannonading today. 
Last night it rained hard, but did not check any movement ; 
the firing has been heavy all day. A very rainy day ; a 
shower this afternoon and the thunder of the guns blended 
with the thunder of the heavens. 

April 1, Saturday. We have had a detail out for the last 
,, . two nights of twenty-eight or thirty, and at 1 1 

April 1. . 

P.M. a detail of sixty men left for the line of 
battle to work as engineers in cutting and turning breast- 
works, etc. Also orders came to harness at 2 A.M., 
the 2d of April, and break camp. About 10 A.M. the 
attack commenced by a heavy artillery fire, followed by 
a charge. From a knoll a half mile in front of our 
camp, we saw part of the line advancing on the right of 
Fort Rice. 

Our battery has been engaged all the time, but not 
heavily ; we have had no casualties. The only incident I 
have heard was of one of the gunners, who had seen some 
wagons moving, sent a shell, which caused quite a stir 
among them. 

April 3. Monday morning, we take our guns from the fort 
back to camp, and prepare for the march. At noon, Tues- 
day, the 4th, we go to the left to the plank road and turn 
toward Petersburg. We pass P'ort Davis, where we were in 



l68 HISTORY OF THE 

July, the battery in front in June, up past Fort Sedgwick and 
through the enemy's works where the tents were under- 
ground, and on till we came in sight of the "Cockade City," 
so called, looking not much the worse for war, but rather 
seedy. Near the heart of the city, we turned to the left, and, 
passing the smouldering ruins of the railroad buildings, we 
pass out and toward Sutherland's Station on the South 
Side Railroad, near which we camp for the night. While 
passing through the city, one of our boys confiscated a 
pretty sorrel mare, which followed us out and back to City 
Point. 

The next morning, April 5, we countermarch and take 
another road, keeping near the railroad, as we are with the 
3d Division, 9th Artillery Corps, which is repairing the rail- 
road, and every night the cars run to our camp. We make 
about six miles, and camp at Stewart's Tavern. Our marches 
are uneventful. Our short marches are not hard enough to 
keep men from straggling, and the sergeants report five 
men missing. We camp the 6th at Ford's Station ; 
April 7, Mellville ; 8th, in the woods near Nottoway Court 
House. 

We are getting into a section where the colored people's 
imaginations were cultivated to believe that the Yankees 
were devils, cannibals, had horns, and many other equally 
grotesque ideas ; and the, " W'y, massa, don't see your 
horns," was not unfrequently heard. Many the negro song 
we heard in our camp, and dance we saw whenever a board 
could be got. One song is a sample of many sung by a 
quartette ; one singer, one clapping with both hands, one 



NINTH M \>SAClll T SETTS 1SATTERY. 169 

with one hand and one foot, one dancing - . The words sung, 
as I remember, were : 

" Mouse in de corn, 
De round top corn ; 
Mouse in de corn, 
De round top corn ; 
.Mouse in de corn, 
De round top corn ; 
How shall we get him out 
De round top corn ? 
Rouse 'em out, and 
Shuck 'em out 
De round top corn." 

And as long as we would look on and encourage, they would 
sing this verse, clap and dance. 

About one mile from camp, a well-stocked smokehouse 
was found, and bacon seasoned our hard tack for some time. 
Also we saw a sawmill with the saw in the middle of the log" 
— a pit-saw, and the motive power, black men working 
without pay ; their holiday came when the board was half 
done, and they took the holiday. 

About 5 P.M., April 8, we break camp and march two 
miles ; halt beside the road, and a column of prisoners passed 
us, from 5,000 to 7,000; they marched in double column, and 
were one hour in passing. We were beside the 

NOTTOWAY COURT HOUSE, 

and I think their records were somewhat mixed before we 
left. I have before me now two papers taken from there : 
11 



I70 HISTORY OF THE 

one a bill for tax on slave property ; the other a record of a 
poll for commissioner of the revenue, made May 24, i860, 
which declares by the certificate of the commissioners of 
elections, the conductor and clerk, " that at a poll held at 
Nottoway, Nottoway Co., Va., Francis L. Moseley and 
Richard Hyde have thirty votes," while the accompanying 
list of polls contains only twenty-seven names. 

The column is past, and we take our line of march two 
miles farther, and camp near the railroad and carriage road. 
Our first day in this camp was April 9, Sunday, and our 
camp was thronged with negroes, old, young, male and 
female ; some in whole, but coarse clothes, some in patches ; 
one man had twenty patches on his pants, by count, and 
wooden bottom shoes, the uppers nailed on with shingle 
nails. Some came nine miles to see the Yankees. They 
say, "Glad to see you, massa; been specting you long time." 
Several told me they had one pint of meal a day, and a piece 
of meat as large as two fingers. 

Four of the stray boys came in camp today, all mounted, 
some on horses, some on mules, and with more or less plun- 
der. They are celebrating the prodigals' return by carrying 
a rail on their shoulders an hour. 

Trains come from Petersburg, and are pressing on to 
Burkeville, ten miles farther. We have no particular duties, 
only to care for our camp. Our shelter tents are pitched 
on a good piece of ground 100 yards from the railroad. 

April 10, news came in camp of the surrender of Gen. Lee 
and the Army of Virginia, and April 11, about 10 

Apr. 10. 

A.M., we were ordered to fall in ; when the line 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 171 

was formed an order was read, announcing the surrender 
of Gen. Lee, of which the following is a copy: 

By Telegram from Headquarters Appomattox Court House. 

April 9, 1865. 8 P.M. 
To Col. Loring, Chief of Staff: 

Gen. Lee this afternoon surrendered his entire army to Lieut. 
Gen. Grant. Officers and privates to retain private horses, arms 
and baggage. Officers and men to be permitted to return to their 
homes, but not to be disturbed by U. S. authorities so long as they 
observe the laws where they reside! All public property to be 
turned over to the ordnance and quartermaster's depots. Rem- 
nant about thirty thousand men. 

April 10. Surrender is complete ; this morning munitions of 
war, etc., turned over to the U. S., and Gen. Grant leaves for City 
Point this morning. 

Signed, TENNYMAN, 

A. A. Adj. Gen. 
Signed, < Schemerhorn) Operator. 

We arc hopeful now. The work is accomplished that we 
have been laboring for since the beginning, and now our 
whole thought is turned toward home. A few have been 
home since we started in '62, but most of us have not ; but 
now we all anticipate going home before our three years are 
up, our term of enlistment, qualified by the term "or the 
war," which means something now. 

For four days we labor to get ready. We wash and mend 
our clothes, clean our horses, harnesses, guns, accouterments ; 
our Government property to be ready to turn in, our private 
property to carry home. We will not hinder ourselves when 
the time comes for us to be discharged. 



I72 HISTORY OF THE 

April i 5. After "taps," a messenger arrives with the intel- 
ligence that the President has been assassinated. 

It is impossible for my pen to write of the feelings we 
experienced, but we expected more work to do, and were 
ready to turn our guns on traitors there. We had kept an 
account of the cost of the victory achieved, and it was too 
large to have it wrested from us by assassins. Many men we 
all loved had given up their lives, others were still suffering 
from wounds or carrying disabled limbs ; many others 
remember the weeks and months of hospital life, longing for 
home or their comrades in camp. We all know how we have 
suffered from heat, cold, rain and mud, the bivouac on the 
frozen ground, and the all-night march. All these must not 
go for naught. We have faced all this — a fire in the rear 
we cannot bear. 

Lieut. Park was at home when the assault on Petersburg 
took place ; he at once started for City Point, but we had 
<rone before he arrived. He found no communication with 
the front ; he found the 5th Mass. Battery there, and was 
constrained by them to stay there till the Battery was heard 
from. 

Many of us visit Burkeville Junction; see the parks of 
captured artillery, and the ten cords of muskets piled up like 
so much cord wood. On my trip up there I met three South 
Carolina soldiers going home on foot ; they were very 
anxious to get home. 

We remained here till April 20, when we started on our 
return, passing through Petersburg and arriving near City 
Point April 23. 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 1 73 

We are in a brigade of the 

ARTILLERY RESERVE NEAR CITY POINT, 

of which Maj. Phillips of the 5th Mass. Battery is commander, 
and Lieut. Park, adjutant. Everything now has to be done 
by brigade orders, and at night we have brigade dress parade, 
a new thing for us ; never have seen one before of light 
batteries, and as we have 254 officers and men on our rolls, 
and 252 in camp, we make as much show as two of the 
other batteries of the brigade, and as we have no duties but 
stable and guard, our work is light. 

April 26. The non-commissioned officers of the 1st Mass. 
are discharged today, and they leave for home. They were a 
fine body of men and had seen considerable service; the last 
engagement they were in was in the Shenandoah valley, in 
the 6th Corps, October 19 and 20. First Sergeant Chase, 
who commanded a section there, says : " I saw Gen. Sheridan 
as ho rode up the valley, and all that was said of him and his 
rallying the stragglers was true." 

When we were at Nottoway Court Mouse, Gen. Sheridan 
established his headquarters in a house beside our camp, and 
an artist took a sketch of the famous horse of that Winchester 
ride, a dark chestnut, Morgan built horse. I saw him several 
times there. 

There is some sickness here from some cause, and as we 
expect to stay here only a short time, we do not fix up our 
quarters only to be comfortable. Nothing of interest 
occurred here ; our stay was short. Orders were received for 



174 



HISTORY OF THE 



the Artillery Reserve to march overland to Washington, 
being the first movement of the withdrawal of the army from 
Virginia, and their discharge. 

May 2, we take our ammunition chests, battery wagon, 
forge, and all our heavy baggage to City Point and 
ship by water ; Lieut. Booth and twenty-two men 
Sfo with them. Our limbers and caissons are loaded with 
grain and light baggage, and May 3 we start on our 140 miles 
march. This is our first step homeward ; we feel that now 
we are going home, and not to meet an enemy. 



May 



eS?2 







We cross the Appomattox at Broadway Landing, and the 
James at Akins, and march to about seven miles from 
Richmond and camp near the line of works lately occupied 
by the Confederate Army. We went into and examined one 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTKRY 



175 



battery 0! two ten inch guns commanding the river above 

Dutch Gap. It was small, having a good magazine and 
bombproof, and very neatly kept. 

The next day we enter Richmond from the east, passing 
up till we come to the street leading to the Mechanicsville 
road; we go about two miles and camp about 11 A.M. 
Some of the officers and men go hack and spend a lew hours 
in Richmond. We camp near Hanover Court 1 louse. May 5, 



n 

SffsS - SB * -1H 

"Pw ^"'FoJaiN^ TtieM*TTAPo»y /hay's. ^^i^gg| foiiga [gl 




tfsSS«W^ 



: EMS ■ ■ -^^ 



Mff&1 



_>ffi 






and go through the Pamunky River so near its source that we 
did not wet our grain, camping beyond at night. 

May 7, we reach Bowling Green, where Booth was cap- 
tured, and our horses get a good leed ot clover; and the next 
day we go over some of the corduroy roads built by Sedgwick 
at the time of the Chancellorsville campaign. A citizen 



I76 HISTORY OF THE 

joined us for several miles in our march, and discoursed on 
the trials and prospects of farming in Virginia. We camp 
about two miles east of Fredericksburg. 

May 9. We are on the road betimes, and pass through 
Fredericksburg, a city built of brick, showing the marks of 
war, and an impoverished country. We cross the Rappa- 
hannock on a pontoon bridge, and are soon climbing the 
Falmouth hills, and find our hardest marching this day, as 
the mud is heavy, as usual for this part of the country. Our 
camp at night is near Aqua Creek, and the next day's march 
brought us to Dumfries. Headquarters of the brigade pass 
us during the day. 

May 11. We cross Wolf Run Shoals, a name familiar to 
readers of news early in the war ; a wide, rocky, shallow 
stream. Later we passed through Fairfax Court House, 
where we met the 16th Mass. Battery, and were hailed by 
the bugler, a fellow townsman, Charlie Warren, whose 
familiar face reminded us of home. We camp near Annan- 
dale, the scene of our first campaign, of thirty-six hours 
duration, an all night march under Capt. De Vecchi and the 
gallant Erickson and Whitaker. 

A shower came up just as we went in camp ; a fine rail 
fence was near and we proceeded to help ourselves. A guard 
came running down, saying : " You must not take those 
rails," and was very energetic to save them. Quartermaster 
Whitmore told him : " You do not understand guard duty ; you 
must not see anything only in front of you." He soon 
understood and marched the whole length of the fence. As 
soon as his back was turned, we cleaned out the whole fence. 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERV. I J"/ 

Mav \2. We remain in cam]) all da}'. It is twelve miles 
tn Alexandria, the end of our march of 140 miles. It has 
been rather hard on our men. In thirty-eight days we have 
marched about 190 miles, and most of the men have done the 
entire distance on loot ; today eight are barefoot. Before 
our last march we had no opportunity to replenish our 
clothing, and if we had we should have tried to have got 
along without any new, as we felt our work was done, and we 
wanted to get out of quartermaster's into store clothes. 

May 13. We move our camp to 

NEAR ALEXANDRIA. 

We are in camp on the bank of a small stream of good water. 
Across the valley to the northeast on a hill is a large fort ; 
also southeast, another. Our cam]) is in the midst of the 
defences 0! Washington. We lay quietly here, waiting for, 
what next ? 

.May 23. A large number of men and officers go to Wash- 
ington to see the review of the Army of the 

May 23. . . . ' . 

rotomac, and they all report it a grand affair. 
The next day a number went in to see the review of the 
arm)' of Sherman, of which number was the writer. Our 
party struck the column of Sherman before we reached Long 
Bridge, and we kept our place in it in crossing, then swung 
off to the left and scattered. A few put our horses up the 
south side of Pennsylvania avenue, and on foot went to see 
the sight. Going on to the avenue in advance of the head of 
the column, we took a position to see it as it turned the 



178 HISTORY OF THE 

corner at the Treasury, going toward the White House, and 
secured a fine position for seeing it. Promptly at 9 A.M., 
Gen. Sherman led the column, and they wheeled to the left 
around the corner, marching by regiment in line, the four- 
gun batteries of each corps following in line at close order. 
It was a fine sight ; all the lines so perfect ; men so stalwart 
looking. We readily recognized Gen. Logan by the pictures 
we had seen of him. 

The peculiar feature of the column passed down Pennsyl- 
vania avenue, about 1 P.M. : that organization known as 
."Sherman's Bummers." They were organized under a com- 
mand by themselves, and seemed to be by brigade and 
regiment under commanders. Every man led a pack horse or 
mule, and various was the make-up of those packs. About 
the middle of the column was a brigade in which every one 
had a game cock standing on their pack, and at intervals of a 
few minutes one would crow, and immediately he would be 
answered by every one in the brigade. It was amusing, and 
many were the cheers they got from the sidewalks. 

At 4 P.M., when I went for my horse, the rear of the 
column had not passed around the Capitol, and the}" were in 
motion all the time. My pass required me to be in camp at 
6 P.M. at dress parade, and as I learned that Gen. Sherman's 
trains were coming over Long Bridge, I found I would have 
to go out by Aqueduct Bridge, and should have to ride five 
to seven miles farther. I called for my horse and started ; a 
few steps showed me something was wrong, and dismounting, 
I found a forward shoe gone. I could find no blacksmith at 
work. Now I could not ride to camp in two hours without 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 1 79 

that shoo; I was in a dilemma. I suddenly thought of the 
Alexandria ferry boat, feeling sure that my pass would take 
me that way. I mounted and rode to the boat, went on 
board, and in five minutes was sailing down the river. In 
about one hour I landed, and a gallop of four miles over a 
soft road brought me to camp on time. 

May 25. A small party of us went to Mt. Vernon. The 
day was fine, the roads good, distance about nine miles; an 
excursion enjoyed by all. There were many visitors, and the 
part}' was quite large that went through the house. It con- 
tained a tew articles used by Gen. Washington in his 
campaigns, and some of the furniture used by him in the 
house. We rambled about the place three hours and leisurely 
rode back to cam]). 

Orders have been received to turn in our ordnance and 
quartermaster's stores, which is a much easier task than it 
was to draw them. It had been impressed on the non-com- 
missioned officers, the importance of being able to account 
for everything in their care, and the result had been that we 
kept our ordnance stores up and gained on our quartermaster 
stores; so we had enough of everything, and the receipt 
could be signed at once. 

May 29, we turned in our battery, and May 30, our horses 
to another battery. We have some saddles, bridles, sabres, 
belts and blankets ; and many things we gave away to 
another battery that was short in their accounts. 

June 1. Our shelter tents are struck for the last time; 
our knapsacks are packed for our homeward march, 

June 1. . ...... , ,. 

and our drivers valises have become bundles. 



l80 HISTORY OF THE 

Our officers have only their private horses ; all of us are on 
foot now. In the morning sun (6.30) we commence our six- 
mile march. Many of us have not marched two miles for two 
years and nine months, but we are going home and we don't 
mind it now. At the order " Fall in for home," all were 
present; none had to be accounted for; none excused from 
duty ; last night's guard were in the ranks. We are the first 
ones off ; the batteries cheer us as we leave. 

The batteries loan our officers horses and wagons for our 
baggage and knapsacks. We carry our haversacks and the 
march is leisurely, and the morning finds us halted at the 
foot of Capitol Hill for an hour or more, as the train is 
arranged and our baggage loaded. Capt. Milton takes home 
his own horses ; one he brought out, and one he bought from 
Petersburg. 

About 12 M., most of us are on platform cars, steaming 
out of Washington for Baltimore, and about 3 P.M. we leave 
Baltimore, and are at Havre De Grace at 7 P.M. ; at Phila- 
delphia about 12.30 A.M. There we find a supper awaiting 
us at the " Soldiers' Rest." 

Our trip here is without incident, except a few cases of a 
little too much whisky, and an affair of a stolen pipe at Havre 
De Grace, which was found and returned from Philadelphia. 

June 2, 12.30 A.M. We are not used to eating at this 
hour, but we can make an exception this time, as we file into 
the old cooper shop whose doors have been always open, and 
the veteran and recruit have alike shared its hospitality. 
Those of us who came out in '62, well remember our recep- 
tion and the " God speed you " of those dark days ; others of 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. l8l 

us who were in those trains filled with maimed and suffering 

ones, those hot days of July, '63, when gentle and tender 
hands ministered to our wants. But now all is different ; 
faces wear another look, and joy and congratulation. We arc 
bringing home one battle-torn battery flag and one national 
bordered with crape. But few are present, scarce half a 
score, but we have to guard our flag zealously to save its 
tatters. 

The fresh sandwiches and coffee refresh us, and soon we 
arc bowling along on the Camden & Amboy road, and 
about S A.M. we are aboard the boat for New York, and land 
at 10.30, where we remain till 5 P.M., when we go on board 
a propeller for Providence. More whisky shows itself. We 
are on the main deck, and locked out of the cabins and 
saloons. A few of the men wanted the whole boat, but the 
sergeants were cool, and after the boat got under way, things 
were quiet. Some rations were found that we did not bring, 
which helped pacify some of the boys. 

We made our beds amidst the freight, or wherever we 
could find a place large enough to hold us. We were not 
very warm or comfortable, and at daylight, when we landed, 
were pretty tired and very sober. Soon we enter on the last 
stage of our journey, by rail to Boston, and 9 o'clock A.M., 
June 3, found us stepping from the cars in the Providence 
depot, Boston — home to many of our company, almost home 
to all of us. 

Across the common we march to near the front of the 
State I louse, where we halt and await orders, which do not 
arrive till after midday. Fifty hours aero we were in Wash- 



1 82 HISTORY OF THE 

ington, at the foot of Capitol Hill, awaiting transportation 

home; now so near, but we must be discharged from 

GALLOUP'S ISLAND. 

We are all here but two: Lieut. Booth stopped in New York, 
and one in Baltimore, who came to us from Battery A, under 
sentence of court martial. 

Officers and men feel rather sore ; we were in hopes we 
could have forty-eight hours' furlough, and Capt. Milton 
applied to the authorities, Col. Clark, for that privilege, or to 
be sent to camp at Readville, where we started from ; but 
not a favor was obtained, and not a State officer did we see. 
But few knew we had arrived ; a few friends came to see us. 
Several had strayed away, the temptation to go home was so 
strong; some had verbal leave from the Captain, and at I P.M., 
when we arrived at the boat, a score or more were absent. 
Capt. Milton and Lieut. Park went home; Lieuts. Foster and 
Murray were with the company. We marched to the wharf 
and went on board the boat. The company had not break- 
fasted, and as yet no dinner, except the hard tack we brought 
from Washington. In one hour we filed off the boat at the 
island, and were met by the provost marshal and a guard. 

It is but justice to the company, officers and men, to say 
we were disappointed. When we went out there were plenty 
to say "God speed" to us, but now not one to say "God 
bless you." At the front we knew our business, but in this 
new campaign of being mustered out we were on untried 
ground. Our impressions of Galloup's Island were not the 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 1 83 

best, and those of us who had been in the hospitals of Balti- 
more, Philadelphia, Newark or New York, did not have a 
very high opinion of the Veteran Reserve Corps, as we about 
all had a chance to join it there. After we went on the boat 
we did some growling, and some liberties were taken ; but 
our officers had been too long in the army to see everything 
that was done, or hear everything that was said by the men 
under aggravating circumstances. Almost all of us were on 
our honor, and all officers refrained from giving any orders 
for show or parade. 

The island had been used as a draft rendezvous by the 
Government, was well furnished with barracks, and was 
garrisoned by part or all of the 13th Regiment V. R. C. 
After a conference between Lieut. Foster and the provost 
marshal, Lieut. Foster ordered the orderly sergeant to bring 
the company in line for inspection of knapsacks. It was 
done in the usual manner, two ranks, face inward. The 
sergeant reported that one man refused to take his place in 
detachment (Ligal). Lieut. Foster said, " Let him be." 

A detail from the island guard, V. R. C, of a sergeant and 
two privates, commenced a search for contraband articles 
(liquor). Soon I saw Ligal, who was twelve or fifteen files 
from the right, drinking from a canteen hung from VV. H. 
Isaacs' shoulder. The officer of the day, seeing it, stepped 
up and tried to take it away by force. They resisted, Isaacs 
being forced by the strap around him. In the scuffle they 
passed out of sight in a crowd of V. R. C. soldiers, and 
towards the water. In a few seconds I heard the report of a 
pistol, and Isaacs staggered out of the crowd and fell on his 



184 HISTORY OF THE 

knapsack. By order of Lieut. Foster, I detailed some men 
and carried him to the hospital ; but before we arrived he was 
dead. No one was apparently under the influence of liquor. 
A few men left their places during the excitement, but most 
remained as they were ; the search or inspection stopped. 
Lieut. Foster said he would be responsible for any infraction 
of rules, and we were assigned to our quarters. 

The officers were some distance from their command, and 
their influence was not apparent among the men, who were 
in charge of the orderly sergeant ; but thanks to Sergts. 
Huntress, Knight and Manning, and some others, their 
influence helped keep down the deep indignation that pre- 
vailed. A few by loud talk made themselves trouble, but 
only John Ligal and Robert S. Reed were kept under arrest 
after the company was discharged. 

June 4 was the Sabbath, and we had no duties, either 
guard or fatigue. The Battery records show what 
was done by us. The following petition was sent 
to Col. Hendrickson, of which no notice was taken : 

Galloup's Island, B. H., Mass., June 4, 1865. 

Col. John Hendrickson, Commanding Post. 

Respected Sir : — As a fitting expression of sorrow for the untimely 
death of our lamented fellow soldier, and one of more than usual 
worth, having been promoted from the ranks for bravery at the 
battle of Gettysburg, while serving in the nth Mass. Infantry, we 
respectfully request that the flag be lowered to half-mast from 
9 A.M. till sundown. In behalf of 9th Mass. Battery, 

LEVI W. BAKER, First Sergt. 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 1S5 

Also request for leave of absence for twenty-four hours : 

Headquarters oth Mass. Battery, June 4, 1865. 

To (apt. John E. Smith, A. A. A. G., Galloup's Island, I!. H. 

Captain: — I respectfully request leave of absence for twenty- 
four hours to visit Boston. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
GEORGE MURRAY, 

First Lieut, gth Mass. Battery. 

Approved and respectfully forwarded, 
GEO. W. FOSTER, 

First Lieut, commanding gth Mass. Battery. 

(Endorsement.) 

Headquarters Draft Rendezvous, Galloup's Island. 

B. H., Mass., June 4, 1865. 

Disapproved. By order of Col. John Hendrickson, Command- 
ing Post. 

J. E. SMITH, Capt. and A. A. A. Gen'/. 

June 5. Capt. Milton and Lieut. Park and most of the 
others came down by the early boat, and on arrival received 
the following: 

Headquarters Draft Rendezvous, 
Provost Marshal's Office, Galloup's Island, 
P.. 11., Mass., June 5, 1865. 
Commanding Officer, oth Battery Mass. Volunteers. 

Sir: — I have the honor to inform you that the following named 
enlisted men of your command have this day been confined at this 
Post, by order of provost marshal, for disorderly conduct and using 
threatening language to their superior officer: 

12 



1 86 HISTORY OF THE 

George H. Golliff, George A. Bernard, John W. Lord, Patrick 
Conlan. 

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

ANDREW BAZNE, 
Capt. ijt/i Regiment, J'. R. C, Provost Marshal. 

We do not know just what occurred or was said at head- 
quarters after Capt. Milton arrived, but suspect there was 
some plain talk ; but the four men arrested for using threat- 
ening language were soon released. 

There was some kind of an investigation among the 
officials of the island, but our officers had no part in it except 
as witnesses, and the officer of the day was acquitted of all 
blame in shooting Isaacs. The trouble delayed our muster 
out a day or two, but soon several men were at work on the 
rolls, and we got furloughs for twenty-four hours. 

Most or all of the Boston papers contained notices of the 
tragedy. The Boston Herald, Journal and Advertiser con- 
tained notices of the affair, receiving their information from 
the officers of the Post, and it was rather one-sided. 

June 6. John Ligal and Robert S. Reed were sent to Fort 
Independence. 

June 7. In the afternoon the company were called to- 
gether informally, and the feelings of the Battery embodied 
in resolutions, and a committee chosen to carry them into 
effect, and to act as guard at the funeral. 

IN MEMORIAM. 

At a meeting of the members of the 9th Mass. Battery, held at 
Galloup's Island, June 7, 1865, of which First Sergeant L. W. 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 187 

Baker was president and Private Isaac F. Eaton secretary, the 
following preamble and resolutions were unanimously adopted : 

Preamble : As in the Providence of an all-wise God, our beloved 
friend and comrade, Wm. H. Isaacs, has been taken from us in a 
manner so sad and sudden, therefore, be it resolved, by his com- 
rades of the 9th Mass. Battery: — 

1st, That we will ever cherish his memory with affection and 
pride. His uniform kindness and unassuming manner won our 
affection, and his history as a soldier in the nth Mass. Regiment, 
in which he first served, and where he won deserved promotion for 
his daring bravery in battle, is our pride and admiration. During 
his service of over four years he has ever shown himself worthy of 
a proud position in the list of those who loved honor and country 
more than life ; and 

2d, We can only think with feelings of the deepest sadness on 
the circumstances of his removal from us at such a moment, and 
with the greatest condemnation and shame for the arm nerved to 
do no braver deed ; and 

3d, That our sincerest sympathy be tendered to the wife and 
mother of the deceased, accompanied by our prayer that in this 
great sorrow they may resign their will to His who controls all in 
love as well as wisdom • and 

4th, That we will, as a token of respect for the memory of the 
deceased, wear the usual sign of mourning on our left arm for the 
period of ten clays ; and 

5th, That a copy of these resolutions be sent to the family and 
friends of our deceased comrade, and three of the daily journals of 
Boston. 

A committee consisting of the following members — Willard 
Chaffin, Sergt. J. H. Manning, Sergt. N. Lowell, Sergt. H. C. 
Knight, and James N. Dunn — was unanimously chosen and 
empowered to carry into effect the objects of the meeting. 

ISAAC F. EATON, Secretary. 

N. B. $500 have been raised by the members of the Battery, 
which, after paying the funeral expenses, will be conferred upon 
the wife of the deceased. 



1 88 HISTORY OF THE 

I find the following in a file of the Boston Herald, dated 
June 7, 1865 : 

The funeral of W. H. Isaacs, who was shot by an officer at 
Galloup's Island on Saturday, took place yesterday afternoon from 
St. Matthew's church, South Boston ; the service being performed 
by Rev. J. T. Cooledge, who also delivered a funeral address. 
The remains were escorted to the grave in Mt. Hope Cemetery by 
a detachment of the 9th Mass. Battery, under Corp. J. H. Wiley ; 
and eight members of the old 1st Battery, in which the deceased 
had formerly served, acted as pall bearers, while a large delegation 
of the past members of the nth Mass. Regiment, comrades of the 
deceased, showed their respect for his memory by following him to 
the grave. 

Slow progress was made in making the rolls, a second set 
having to be made ; but finally, June 9, we were paid off and 
discharged, so we were able to take the boat at 5 P.M. for 
Boston, landing about 6, and a few hurried handshakings and 
"Good luck to you," and we scattered, never to meet all 
together again. 

The following correspondence is on file : 

Fort Independence, B. H., August 3, 1865. 
Respected Sir: — Having received a copy of my charges, I very 
respectfully forward the same to you for your perusal, and also to 
inform you that my trial comes on next Monday, Aug. 7. I would 
very respectfully ask you to procure for me, if possible, some 
witnesses to substantiate my innocence. John Ligal's charges are 
the same as those. We would respectfully ask you to find, if 
possible, Frank Patrick, as he is a witness that would be of vital 
moment to us, also ask Corp. McCarty if he will please to appear 
there as a counsel in our case. 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 189 

We would, if possible, request the attendance of all our officers, 

or as many of them as could appear, and also as many men as you 

can find. Trusting that you will oblige us in this, 

We remain very respectfully yours, 

ROBERT S. REED, 

JOHN LIGAL. 
To Capt. R. S. Milton. 

Charge and Specification preferred against Private Robert 
Reed, 9th Battery, Mass. Volunteers : 

Charge : Offering violence against his superior officer. 
Specification : In this, that he, Private Robert Reed, 9th Battery, 
Mass. Volunteers, did offer violence against his superior officer, 
Andrew C. Bazne, Capt. 13th Regiment, V. R. C, provost marshal, 
with intent to kill, and did by speech and gesture incite others to 
join him in said assault, he, Capt. A. C. Bazne, 13th V. R. C, 
provost marshal, being in the execution of his office. This at or near 
Galloup's Island, Boston Harbor, Mass., on or about the 3d day 
of June, 1865. 

Witnesses: Capt. A. C. Bazne, 13th V. R. C, provost marshal. 
Capt. J. W. Jordan, 13th V. R. C. 
First Lieut. E. T. Armstrong, 13th V. R. C. 
Corp. James S. Coombs, " " 

Corp. Louis Roberts, " " 

Signed, ANDREW C. BAZNE, 

Capt. ijt/i ]'. R. C, provost marshal. 

Major General Dix, Commanding Department of the East. 

General: — We, the undersigned, late commissioned officers of 
the Ninth ( 9th ) Massachusetts Battery, which was mustered out of 
the service of the United States June 6, 1865, respectfully repre- 
sent that at the time of the aforesaid muster out, two privates 
belonging to the command, John Ligal and Robert Reed, were and 
are held under arrest at Fort Independence, Boston Harbor, to 
await court martial for alleged mutinous and riotous conduct at 
Galloup's Island, in connection with the affair which resulted in 
the shooting and killing of Private Isaacs of the Battery. 



I90 HISTORY OF THE 

Both Ligal and Reed are veterans in the service, the former 
having been a member of the 9th Battery since its organization, 
August 10, 1862, and Reed having been originally a member of the 
1st Mass. Battery, a three years company; at the expiration of his 
term of service re-enlisted, and was transferred to the 9th Battery 
some five months ago, upon the breaking up of the 1st Battery. 
Both, while with the 9th Mass. Battery, have ever been faithful in 
the performance of their duties, quiet, obedient and soldierly in 
their deportment, and never before this affair have been under 
arrest. Private Ligal has always served as a cannoneer, been 
present in all the engagements of the command with the enemy, 
and always been conspicuous for his gallant conduct. Private 
Reed has an equally creditable and even longer record. 

Being the first command of the Army of the Potomac to arrive 
home under the late orders for discharge, much to their disappoint- 
ment they found no arrangements provided for their disposition. 
After much delay, they were finally ordered down to Galloup's 
Island, a place associated in their minds with substitutes and 
bounty jumpers. Their long delay in the city enabled a few to 
obtain liquor, of which they had long been deprived, and so easily 
became intoxicated. Immediately on arriving at Galloup's Island, 
the colonel commanding post ordered his provost guard to search 
for liquor, virtually relieving the Battery officer in command of the 
company of his authority, and treating his command as if they were 
bounty jumpers, and not veterans, who had won an honorable 
name for themselves on the battlefields of the Army of the 
Potomac, whose orderly conduct had become a by-word among 
their associates ; for they had never had a comrade court-martialed, 
and who had never before beheld men belonging to another 
military organization, armed with bayonets and muskets, ordered 
among them to perform what they knew to be only a proper 
military precaution, and would gladly and quietly have submitted 
to from their own officers, or even corporal's guard. This we say 
was an additional annoyance to the command already mortified 
and disappointed with their cavalier treatment. To make matters 
still worse, the provost guard was under the charge of a rash and 
inconsiderate officer, who, though having an ample force armed 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 191 

and equipped under his orders, became excited over improper 
conduct of several drunken men, and instead of ordering his guard 
to make arrests, joined in a mflee with them and personally tried to 
deprive them of their liquor. Thus forgetful of his own rank and 
position in the service, allowing his passion full sway, he placed 
himself on a level with drunken privates, got throttled and pun- 
ished, and finally prefers charges, where he might have drawn 
valuable inferences for future guidance. At this time, General, an 
officer of the day rushed out from his quarters, and, without wait- 
ing to see what was going on, or give any orders, shot Private 
Isaacs dead, and then, with the brand of Cain upon him, though 
officer of the day, leaves the island at midnight, only to return after 
days had elapsed. 

Such was the reception of the command at Galloup's Island, 
worse even than their liveliest fears anticipated. 

We have recurred to the above facts, though imperfectly, to show 
that this unfortunate and discreditable affair has at least two sides 
to be considered. We do not wish to excuse drunkenness nor 
urge it in palliation ; but feeling as we do, that the responsibility 
rests to a great degree with the officers stationed at Galloup's 
Island for what occurred, and in consideration of the previous 
good conduct, as well as faithful services on many battlefields, of 
Privates John Ligal and Robert Reed, and their punishment by 
already two weeks confinement, 

Your petitioners respectfully ask that you will regard them with 
leniency, and order their release from arrest, and issue such other 
orders as may insure their early discharge from the service, to 
which they are entitled, and which their arrest has delayed. 

Signed, 

R. S. MILTON, late captain. 

GEO. W. FOSTER, late first lieutenant. 

GEO. .MURRAY, 

GEO. BOOTH, late second lieutenant. 

WM. PARK, Jr. 

Boston, June 20, 1865. 



I92 HISTORY OF THE 

Of the fate of the two prisoners, we learn that Robert S. 
Reed was discharged, as there was not evidence to hold him. 
John Ligal was confined some time at Fort Independence, 
was finally tried by court martial and found guilty, and 
sentenced to fifteen years' imprisonment, dishonorable dis- 
charge, loss of all pay and allowances. One strong circum- 
stance was against him. He got in Boston a light summer 
cap and wore it down on the boat, and he was recognized by 
that. It is said that the Judge Advocate was favorably 
impressed that the sentence should be light, but he said, 
" He was a private soldier, the other was an officer, and the 
circumstances required that some notice should be taken of 
the affair, and he must be convicted, or the officer would be 
placed in a bad situation as to killing Isaacs." 

When Ligal was returned to the fort, he was all broken up ; 
said he had rather die at once than go to prison. All of us 
who had marched with him for nearly three years, gave him 
credit for many virtues. Large hearted, generous, ever 
ready to do his share of work, always at his post in battle, or 
on guard, not knowing fear, he was a good soldier. Like 
many others of us, whisky was his enemy and got him into 
trouble. An Italian by birth, little education, no friends of 
influence, his case was a hard one. 

On going to the guardroom from supper, he concealed and 
carried a bread knife with him. 

When prisoners were convicted and sentenced to be con- 
fined in any other prison, they were confined in a casemate 
opening into the guardroom, with an iron door. Instead of 
the usual custom, Ligal was left in the common prison or 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. I93 

guardroom where they all slept. There was a prisoner there, 
confined as a bounty jumper; he was a smart, ingenious 
man, and had much to do about the fort ; he had not been 
tried, and had made preparations to escape, if sentenced. 
Feeling a sympathy for Ligal, he approached him and tried 
to calm him ; told him to go to bed and pretend to go to 
sleep ; that after the others were asleep, he would tell him 
something of advantage to him. After all was quiet, he 
came to him and told him of a stone cut in two, one half 
movable, that would let him out of the room, and where he 
would find a rope long and strong enough to let him down 
outside the fort ; of a certain chimney to put it around ; of 
the beat of the guard on that side, long and partly out of 
sight ; and when he was going from him, to lower himself 
down ; at the hour of low tide, the channel would be 
narrow toward South Boston flats, and he could swim it 
easily. Ligal carried out the programme, escaped, and 
made his way to a town near Boston, where a comrade 
cared for him, and friends aided him in leaving the 
country. 

Comrades, you are now so scattered that we shall never 
all meet again here. I have the address of only eighty-eight. 
The deaths of forty-eight have been reported, and they are 
recorded in the records of the Associates. There are sixty- 
three comrades who enlisted in '62, whose address we do not 
know. 

Forty-eight of our comrades have died since we enlisted, 
and perhaps others we do not know of. The first was : 



194 



HISTORY OF THE 



Pri. Geo. W. Stafford, 1862. 
Edwin H. Babson, 1863. 
Lieut. C. Erickson, Gettysburg. 

" A. H. Whitaker, " 
Sergt. C. E. Dodge, 
" J. L. Fenton, 
Pri. John Crosson, " 
C. B. Nutting, 
Jas. F. Gilson, 



Pri. Henry Fen, Gettysburg. 
Adolph Lipman, " 
Austin Packard, " 
Nathan H. Brand, 1864. 
Corp. L. J. Sanderson, " 
Sergt. W. H. Dawes, " 

Corp. Levi Lincoln, " 

Pri. Byron Porter, " 

Wm. H. Isaacs, 



DATE NOT KNOWN. 



Lieut. Geo. W. Foster. 

" Geo. Murray. 

" Geo. H. Prescott. 

Corp. Zimri Whitney. 

" W. L. Tucker. 

Pri. John Buckman. 

Ralph C. Blaisdell. 

Jos. Bailey, Jr. 

John H. Clark. 

Geo. Doherty. 

M. E. Fay. 

Chas. A. Guinn. 

S. H. Goodwin. 

J. A. Harvey. 

Orin C. Hussy. 



Pri. John H. Kelly. 
John A. McCarty. 
Jas. McDavitt. 
John R. Marten. 
M. L. Martin. 
Geo. McFarlin. 
H. F. Nash. 
E. A. Noyes. 
S. N. Parker. 
Orin Reynolds. 
Edward Rouse. 
Reuben B. Rice. 
C. F. Sexton. 
Wm. W. Snelling. 
John Ligal. 



1865. 



The following letters are of interest to all. 
Weekly Times, Philadelphia, June 14, 1877 : 



From the 



THE ARTILLERY AT GETTYSBURG. 



Cap/. Bigelow correc/s an error in Col. Os bonis recen/ paper. 
To the Editor of the Times : 

I have read with interest Col. Osborn's account of the part 
taken by the artillery under his command at Gettysburg, published 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 1 95 

in the Weekly Times of May 31, but am compelled to take exception 
at what he says regarding Capt. Winslow, Battery D, 1st New York 
Light Artillery, who fought on another part of the field from him- 
self, and about whom he cannot speak of his own knowledge. In 
referring to Gen. Howard's article in the Atlantic Monthly for July, 
1S76, Col. Osborn calls attention to what he is pleased to suggest 
as "the mistake of writing Bigelow for Winslow, doubtless owing 
to the similarity in pronunciation," and afterward he makes a 
quotation, substituting the name Winslow where in the original the 
name ISigelow occurs. Gen. Howard was correct, and Col. Osborn 
is in the wrong. The battery referred to was the 9th Massachu- 
setts, commanded by myself, and I bear on my side the scars of 
the wound mentioned therein. Major McGilvery commanded the 
2d Brigade Artillery Reserve, Army of the Potomac, to which my 
battery, the 9th Massachusetts, was attached. When the 3d Corps 
(Sickles') became hard pressed by Longstreet, on the afternoon of 
July 2, McGilvery's brigade was sent .to his support. The 9th 
Massachusetts Battery was first placed in position on the left of 
Sickles' line, not far from the Peach Orchard, and alone remained 
after the 3d Corps had been driven from its position — both 
infantry and artillery. Being ordered by McGilvery to retire, I 
fixed prolonge, and with my left section scattering canister to keep 
off a line of skirmishers which were pressing me on my left front, 
and with my centre and right sections sending solid shot against a 
line of Confederate infantry which, having defeated Sickles, were 
re-forming near the Peach Orchard for a further charge, I allowed 
the recoil to retire my guns to the corner of the stone wall, near 
A. Trostle's house. Just as I was limbering up to get through the 
stone wall and back on the line of Cemetery Ridge proper, Maj. 
McGilvery came to me and said : " There is not an infantryman 
back of you along the whole line from which Sickles moved out. 
You must remain where you are and hold your position at all 
hazards, until, at least, I can find some batteries to put in position 
and cover you. The Rebels are coming down on you now." I im- 
mediately ordered my guns unlimbered and the ammunition taken 
from the chests and laid by the guns. Hardly were the guns double- 



I96 HISTORY OF THE 

shotted before the enemy appeared above a swell of the ground 
about fifty yards in my front, and I became heavily engaged. 

Owing to large stone bowlders interfering with my left section, I 
ordered Lieut. Milton to take it out and to the rear. In accom- 
plishing this, most of the horses were shot, and one of the pieces 
was drawn off by hand, but the right and centre sections remained 
until overwhelmed by the enemy, who came in on their unprotected 
flanks. While we were thus engaged, McGilvery succeeded in 
placing the 6th Maine (Dow) and 5th Massachusetts (Phillips) 
Batteries in position on the high ground in my rear (Cemetery 
Ridge proper). When I was raised from the ground, the enemy, 
who had come in on the flanks of the battery, were standing on 
the chests shooting down my cannoneers, who were still serving 
their guns ; but McGilvery was ready. I ordered my men to stop 
firing and get back to our lines as best they could. Dow and 
Phillips immediately opened fire on their positions, and the enemy's 
advance in this direction was stopped, although there were no 
infantry on our line for some time afterward. Later in the evening 
my guns were re-taken, and I kept them until the end of the war. 

In this engagement, of four officers on the field, one (Erickson) 
was killed, and two wounded, one (Whitaker) mortally ; six ser- 
geants and twenty-two enlisted men were killed or wounded, and 
eighty horses killed or disabled. Besides other ammunition, ninety- 
two rounds of canister were expended, mostly at close quarters. 

JOHN BIGELOW. 

Philadelphia, June 2, 1879. 

FROM "THE SOUTHERN REVEILLE." 

Port Gibson, Clairborne County, Mississippi, May ig, 1877. 

The Blue and the Gray — -Unpublished Letters Across the Chasm. 
Reminiscences of War and Gettysburg. 

It has been our good fortune, after persistent efforts, to get 
control of the following letters, which we had the pleasure of 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. I97 

reading last summer. These letters refer more particularly to the 
great battle of Gettysburg, but they are so full of noble expressions, 
and so illustrative of the sentiments of the soldiers, as contradis- 
tinguished from the narrow contractedness of political demagogues, 
that it is pleasant to read them, and to see in them the magnanimity 
that characterizes the soldier and the hero. The first is from Col. 
John B. Bachelder, a distinguished Federal officer during the war, 
and author of several popular works touching the war and its 
incidents, known as "The Gettysburg Publications." The letter 
to which the following from Col. Bachelder is a reply, has been 
mislaid, but the published letter shows the drift of the missing one : 

LETTER FROM COL. BACHELDER TO GOV. HUMPHREYS. 

"Chelsea, Mass., May 7, 1876. 

Gen. B. G. Humphreys, Vicksburg, Miss. 

My Dear Sir: — On returning from Philadelphia this morning, 
I found your esteemed favor of the 1st instant awaiting me. This 
completes the chain of description along that portion of Longstreet's 
line. I shall be glad to find a few intelligent officers from Semme's 
and Benning's Brigades, who can explain their movements a little 
more fully. I now have all the positions to complete my contract 
with the Government, but the history, upon which I have spent 
years of study, is yet to be written, and in completing that, I shall 
avail myself of your courteous offer, and write you sometime in the 
future in more detail. You will see the necessity for this when I 
tell you I have the official report of every Union regiment and 
brigade, and also battery commander, in your front. Each has his 
story to tell, and I desire to meet each with as full statements as 
possible. I wish you would make out a list of officers from each 
regiment, at your leisure, and send to me, that I may get as 
complete data as possible of the movements. When I get ready to 
take up that part, I will write you again. I think you are right in 
placing Watson's Battery a little farther to your right. I knew 
pretty well where the flank regiments were engaged, and by 



I98 HISTORY OF THE 

analogy supposed the line continuous, but your letter explains 
why a vacant space occurred. 

Recurring to your letter, I will briefly say, the four guns you 
captured at the foot of the hill were from Bigelow's 9th Massachu- 
setts Battery of six guns. This was its first action. It, with 
others, had been engaged with three of Kershaw's regiments. 
When you appeared on his right he retired with fixed prolonge until 
entangled in an angle of stone fence. At that moment Maj. 
McGilvery, his brigade commander, dashed up to him and ordered 
him to stay at that point as long as possible, and sacrifice his battery, 
if need be, to enable a new line to be formed on the opposite side 
of the ravine. You know how well the order was obeyed. Capt. 
Bigelow was wounded twice. Lieut. Erickson, already wounded, 
was killed. Lieut. Whitaker was mortally wounded. Six out of 
seven sergeants were killed or wounded, with one third of the men 
of the battery, and eighty out of eighty-eight horses placed hors de 
combat. There was no colonel of artillery killed, and I think Lieut. 
Erickson must have been the man you speak of. I know Capt. 
Bigelow intimately, but don't know whether he is in Boston now ; 
I will ask him about his horse when I see him ; I had the impres- 
sion his horse was shot. Two guns were saved by tearing down a 
portion of the stone wall. Three of the four were regained that 
night, and the fourth next day. Gen. Sickles was wounded a few 
minutes later, on the east side of the ravine, while riding towards 
Watson's Battery. First Lieut. Watson, commanding the battery, 
was wounded in the knee, from which his leg was amputated. At 
this critical moment of the battle, Willard's Brigade, of the 2d 
Army Corps, came down from the direction of Cemetery Hill. 
The 39th New York (Garibaldi Guards) was detached as reserve, 
and the other three regiments (111th, 125th and 126th New York) 
charged Barksdale's left. Willard was instantly killed, and Barks- 
dale fell mortally wounded. His troops were repulsed and Willard's 
command followed nearly up to Alexander's guns, which had been 
advanced to the Emmittsburg road. At about this time, two regi- 
ments of Slocum's (Lockwood*s Brigade) came up on Willard's 
left, and participated slightly. Capt. Fassit, of Gen. Sickles' staff, 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 



199 



who had guided these troops, while returning, saw Lieut. Peeples, 
of Watson's Battery, standing on a rock gesticulating wildly and 
pointing to his guns, just being reversed by your men. Capt. 
Fassit knew of the Garibaldi Guards being detached, and at once 
brought them up, Lieut. Peeples leading with a musket. These 
were the troops you met last. 

Not having witnessed these scenes, and being entirely dependent 
on the statements of others, 1 can only get at the truth after 
careful study, knowing full well the natural tendency to exaggera- 
tion. This is why I have so long delayed writing. There is much 
of interest connected with the engagement of your brigade, and I 
hope 1 may get full letters from officers of each regiment. I am 
particularly desirous of hearing from the iSth, and what they know 
of the engagement of Wilcox on their left. Wilcox's and Perry's 
Brigades moved after Barksdale had advanced to the attack. 
After a few yards they moved by the left flank in the valley, then 
by the front, crossed the Emmittsburg road, and continued to the 
ravine, but 1 have an impression that their final movement was 
after Barksdale's repulse, as Col. Forney, 10th Alabama, says there 
were no organized troops on his right, and his was the right regi- 
ment of Wilcox's Brigade. He was wounded and captured. 

Write for any further details you want. 

Yours, 

J NO. B. BACHELDER." 

From the foregoing letter it will be seen that Capt. Bigelow (a 
historic name) of the 9th Massachusetts, ascertained information 
and facts of which he had long been in pursuit, that is, who fought 
him and destroyed his brave and gallant command at Gettysburg. 

LETTER FROM CAPT. BIGELOW TO GEN. B. G. HUMPHREYS. 

"40 Water St., Boston, July 13, 1876. 
Dear Sir : — I happened to meet Col. Bachelder, the encyclopedia 
of the battle of Gettysburg, yesterday, with whom I am well 
acquainted, and his first greeting was, ' I have found out who were 



200 HISTORY OF THE 

fighting you at Trostle's house.' He gave me your address, as 
former commander of the 21st Mississippi Regiment. Now, sir, 
I entertain the highest regard for the gallantry and bravery of the 
men who so fearlessly faced my guns, double-shotted with canister, 
though of course it was my exposed flanks and lack of infantry 
support that caused the destruction of my command. I suffered 
severely from a party of sharpshooters on my left front, who 
followed me across the field. My only good view of your command 
was as they were forming just outside the Peach Orchard to come 
down on me, and I was greatly surprised when Col. B. said there 
was only a regiment. The line seemed very much too long, and 
my recollection is that there were a number of regiments forming. 
I could easily have got through the wall before you struck me, and 
have reached the high ground in my rear, but was urged to await 
your assault there at all hazards, and hold the point as long as I 
could, because there were no troops in my rear, and nothing but 
my battery remaining to fill up the gap in our lines left by Sickles' 
Corps. My command suffered, of course, but you were delayed long 
enough to get the 6th Maine and part of the 5th Massachusetts 
Batteries in position. For half an hour or more they filled the long 
gap on the rising ground, front of the wood, opening on you when 
I stopped firing. 

The horse which you got probably belonged to one of my 
lieutenants, Erickson, who was killed. My horse, when I fell from 
him, was wounded at the same time, leaped the wall and went back 
into our lines. Recovering, I saw our guns coming into position, 
and your men on my limber chests, shooting my cannoneers, still 
hard at work, when I gave the order to cease firing and fall back. 
I was taken over the wall. One of my officers, Whitaker, though 
mortally wounded, rode up and gave me some whisky. I was then 
lifted on to my orderly's horse, and slowly taken back into the 
front of the 6th Maine Battery, while it was firing. 

Besides other projectiles, my command distributed among Ker- 
shaw's men, who charged from Rose's house toward Round Top, 
and your own, the very extraordinary number of ninety-two rounds 
of canister. 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 20 1 

While, however, others may have suffered, we were in no way 
exempt ourselves. Of four officers, two were killed and one 
wounded. I lost six of seven sergeants, twenty-two men, and 
eighty out of eighty-eight horses on the battlefield. As I recall the 
exciting scenes of the late war, they seem like a dream ; but the 
twinges of broken bones substantiate their reality. No bitterness 
remains among the people of this section, but all unite in wishing 
for many returns of our National Centennial as a great united 
people. May it not be in name only, but in heart as well. 
I remain very truly, 

JOHN BIGELOW. 
Late captain of the gth Mass. Battery. 

To Ex-Gov. Humphreys, Vicksburg, Miss." 

The following is the "old stem-winder's" reply: 

"Vicksburg, Miss., Aug. 4, 1876. 
Dear Sir : — Your esteemed letter of July 13, reached me a few 
days since. I feel profoundly grateful for the kind notice you have 
taken of the noble command 1 followed at Gettysburg, and recog- 
nize the accuracy of your description of our advance. You are 
doubtless aware that Barksdale and Kershaw moved out together, 
but when we broke Sickles' line, Barksdale inclined to the left and 
Kershaw to the right, and when Barksdale emerged from the Peach 
Orchard, his right flank was on your right flank 200 yards off. 
I saw at once our peril in leaving you to enfilade our line. 
I promptly wheeled the 21st Mississippi Volunteers to the right, 
and charged down on you, and as you were unsupported, my task 
in silencing and capturing your guns was comparatively easy, but 
afforded infinite relief to Kershaw's Brigade, with whose sharp- 
shooters on your left front you were engaged. The 21st Mississippi 
Regiment captured a battery on the slope in rear of your guns, but 
was driven off. Wis this battery 'the 6th Maine and part of the 
5th Mass.' you speak of, and was it commanded by Col. Watson ? 
Was it Gen. A. A. Humphrey's Division that checked and killed 

13 



202 HISTORY OF THE 

Barksdale, or was it a line of reinforcements from Culp's Hill ? 
What troops checked and drove back Kershaw on your left ? 

You well say, my dear sir, 'The exciting scenes of the late war 
seem like a dream.' I can add, your kind letter is a most pleasant 
reminder of the 'unpleasantness' that has long since passed away, 
as between the true soldiers of the North and South, who met in 
fratricidal strife in the front of battle. They feel they only did 
their duty, and ask no forgiveness of each other. When the South 
laid down her arms, if the issues of the war had been submitted to 
them, amicable relations and cordial peace would long since have 
existed throughout our borders. But, by the death of Lincoln, our 
destiny was placed in the hands of a corps of wrangling dema- 
gogues, who ' vaunteth in war,' but like the war horse of Job, 
' paweth in the valley and snuffeth the battle afar off.' Feeding on 
the feuds of the nation, and fattening on the woes of the South, 
their ' reconstruction ' has engendered a bitterness that can only 
be cured by the magnanimity and justice of the North. May it 
not be long delayed ! And even now I beg to assure you, the 
soldiers of the South unite with you ' in wishing for many returns of 
our National Centennial as a united people, not only in name but 
in heart as well.' 

Please present my kindest regards to Col. Bachelder for his 
attention to my request, and accept for yourself my sincere 
respects. Hoping to hear from you again, 
I am truly yours, 

BEN. G. HUMPHREYS. 
To Capt. John Bigelow, Boston, Mass." 

It would seem from the foregoing letters that "Old Ben" had 
one horse too many, and was endeavoring to find the owner. But 
the charm in this correspondence is the magnanimity that fills 
alike the hearts of the victor and the vanquished. Capt. Bigelow's 
orders commanded him to stand, even to the sacrifice of his com- 
mand, and the brave officer who lost his battery commands equal 
admiration with the man who captured it. In all the history of 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 2C>3 

that dreadful war, we scarcely remember such carnage as befell 
Capt. Bigelow's battery, and his heroic command deserved a better 
fate, though they could not have won greater prestige even in 
victory. Old Ben, " the old stem-winder," went into the fight with 
elegant impudence, and comes out of it, as his letter shows, with 
sublime magnanimity. He rode at the head of the old 21st 
with the same nonchalance that he offered "to go the gal's 
security. - ' 

NOTE. GETTYSBURG, JULY 2. 

Among the incidents that filled the closing hours of the 
day and brought us in connection with other organizations, 
the iicSth Pennsylvania Regiment has a place. Soon after 
we commenced firing from our first position, a few sharp- 
shooters took position on our left, near the edge of the woods, 
between us and the Wheat Field, and kept actively engaged 
on our flank, till we were driven to the corner near the house. 
The historian of the 1 1 St h Pennsylvania Regiment, J. L. 
Smith of Philadelphia, gives the names of the men as Sergt. 
Augustus Luker, Sergt. Joseph Turner, Coin. DeWitt Rod- 
ermel, James J. Donnelly. 

Smith says he saw a cannon shot go through the body of 
one of the men in or with our Battery. He claims the n 8th 
assisted by their fire in crowding the 21st Mississippi over on 
our right flank, and the}- suffered considerably from the fire 
of the Rebels around Trostle's barn and ward, when they 
were filing away by the edge of the wood on our left and 
going to the rear. 

Gen. McLaws (Confederate-) wrote him that any command 
that faced the 21st .Mississippi may well feel proud, as that 



204 HISTORY OF THE 

regiment was the very "flower of Southern chivalry;" (sic) 
one of its companies had four men pledged to remain always 
privates, who were worth $4,000,000. The 118th Regiment 
pride themselves very much on the assistance they rendered 
us. Strangely enough they were in Gen. Chamberlain's 
charge that we supported at Petersburg. 

Artillery Headquarters, Army of the Potomac. 

June 21, 1865. 
Capt. R. S. Milton, gTH Mass. Battery. 

Captain: — I have received your letter of the 5th instant, inform- 
ing me that your battery was to be mustered out of the service. 
I regret that it has been decided not to retain any portion of the 
volunteer field artillery, and that under this decision, yours, and 
other excellent batteries which have done so much to elevate the 
character of our arm of the service, and to aid the great cause in 
which we have all been engaged, must now terminate their public 
career. Their reputation and what they have done still remain to 
us, however. To me, the breaking up of this army, and the sepa- 
ration from those I have long commanded is very painful. I shall, 
however, long remember them and recall with pleasure the services 
they have rendered under my orders. 

Amongst the organizations serving under me, the 9th Mass. will 
be associated, in my mind, with some of the hardest service of the 
army. Upon first joining under Capt. Bigelow, it went immediately 
into battle at Gettysburg, and bore a distinguished part, as the 
reports and its list of killed and wounded, headed by the gallant 
Erickson, will prove. Its subsequent history is not less glorious, 
and the history of the campaign and battles of the Army of the 
Potomac will be incomplete, which does not mention with honor, 
amongst other batteries which rendered distinguished services, the 
9th Massachusetts Independent. The record of its battles is 
made, and not less honorable is its reputation for discipline, 
instruction, good conduct, and the deportment of its men and 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 2C>5 

officers, under both Bigelow and yourself. I trust that your future 
may be as successful as your career in this army, and that both 
officers and men will feel, as they have the right to do — proud of 
their Battery. 

A pressure for time, as 1 am under orders for distant service, 
prevents my writing more fully and carefully what I would wish to 
say of the liattery itself, yet I could not say less as to my own 
feelings in connection with it. 

Very truly yours, 
(Signed) HENRY J. HUNT, 
Major General, Chief Artillery, Army of the Potomac. 

A few years after our discharge an attempt was made to 
form a Battery association, as was the fashion then, and a 
meeting was called, through the public prints, at John A. 
Andrew Hall on Washington street. A large number 
responded, and an organization was started, but owing to 
discordant elements among the promoters, it failed. 

A few years later, as we began to see that one after 
another were falling and our number growing less, a few 
comrades started the 9th Battery Associates, who have met 
the first Monday of February each year, and spent an even- 
ing socially together. 

February 7, [870, the first meeting was held. There were 
sixteen present ; the Associates were organized ; Major John 
Bigelow was chosen president, and held the office four years, 
followed by F. C. Tucker, Win. Park, Jr., B. E. Murray, 
E. A. Noyes, J. V. Huntress, Chas. W. Reed, J. H. Sullivan, 
and J. K. Norwood. 

February 8, [886, the name was changed to 9th Battery 
Association ; there were thirty-seven present. 



206 HISTORY OF THE 

At the annual meeting of the Associates holden the first 
Monday of February, 1884, at Young's Hotel, Boston, the 
matter of a monument at Gettysburg was brought up and 
discussed. All being in favor of action, a committee of six 
were chosen to take charge of the matter, as follows : Chas. 
W. Reed, John K. Norwood, Jos. A. Chapin, Wm. Park, Jr., 
B. E. Murray and J. Howard Sullivan. They met and organ- 
ized as follows : Chas. W. Reed, chairman ; J. K. Norwood, 
treasurer ; J. A. Chapin, secretary ; and issued the follow- 
ing circular : 

Boston, April 17, 1884. 
Comrade : 

Dear Sir : — In view of the National importance of the Gettys- 
burg Battlefield, making it forever historic, and to commemorate the 
conspicuous service of the 9th Battery, Mass. Vols., it was conceded 
by all present at the annual reunion, Feb. 4, that we must not be 
behind the other organizations who have, and are marking their 
relative positions on this field where the tide of the Rebellion was 
turned. It was unanimously voted " that we erect a suitable 
monument of granite and bronze upon the ground held by our 
Battery during this engagement." 

Voted, " That we raise the sum of One Thousand Dollars for this 
purpose." 

Voted, "That the 9th Battery Associates compose a committee 
of the whole to raise this amount." 

looted, " That a Working or Executive Committee of six have the 
immediate charge of securing the above amount, obtaining designs 
for said monument, and locating correct sites." 

Major John Bigelow urges this, and starts the subscription with 
$350. John K. Norwood follows with $100. It is hoped that 
every man connected with the Battery will take pride in contribut- 
ing according to his ability to this very worthy object. 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 207 

Money subscribed to this fund will be taken charge of by the 
committee and properly deposited. 

( hecks may be sent to the order of John K. Norwood, Lawrence, 
Mass. 

Copies of this circular may be had, or will be mailed to any 
address on application to 

J. A. CHAPIN, Sec'y, 

106 Franklin St., Boston. 



Boston, Sept. 17, 1S86. 



My Dear Baker 



Comrade and Friend : — In answer to yours of 13th inst., would 
say, that in October, 1883, I went to Gettysburg with Col. Bach- 
elder and Carleton Coffin and others to look over the ground 
where our Battery fought, which I had desired for years, being the 
only representative of our Battery present. After looking over the 
ground with the above named, with the addition of Gen. Underwood, 
we located the position of the Battery practically where afterwards, 
in May, the committee located or verified it. My first impulse at 
that time in October, was to put up a neat tablet at a cost of $100 
or thereabouts, at my own expense ; but after coming home and 
going to the State House and finding it was settled that at the 
coming session of Legislature, $500 should be appropriated to each 
regiment and battery, I changed my purpose and thought the best 
course was to bring it before the Association at its next meeting in 
February. At that meeting I explained the matter to the comrades, 
and the $1,000 was voted to be raised. Having never seen or 
talked with any of the comrades about the matter, the matter came 
to a head nicely, as Major Bigelow's letter and check came to hand 
at that meeting without any concerted action, so far as I know. 

I have just returned home after a week's absence, consequently 
the delay. I am glad to hear from you, and if I haye not covered 
the ground fully, please let me know. 

J. K. NORWOOD. 



208 HISTORY OF THE 

In 1883, a large excursion went to Gettysburg and with 
them J. K. Norwood, the only representative of the 9th 
Battery. Col. Bachelder, the Government historian, in locat- 
ing the position of the different organizations, had marked 
our position in Trostle's field so far to the left that it would 
have been impossible for us to have shelled Rose's barn or 
done the execution on Kershaw's Brigade that we are reported 
to have done. Mr. Norwood disputed the location, and 
placed a stake where he thought the true position was. 

The committee thought that the true position should be 
found, and accordingly an excursion was arranged by C. W. 
Reed and J. K. Norwood for the 19th of May, 1884, for five 
or six days, and the following persons arranged to go, viz. : 
C. W. Reed, J. K. Norwood, Wm. Park, Jr., Francis M. 
Shaw, Richard Holland, B. E. Murray, Kendall Norwood, 
and L. W. Baker, and at Philadelphia Maj. Bigelow joined us. 
We were delayed, and only reached Carlisle Tuesday even- 
ing, and Gettysburg Wednesday about 10 A.M. Having 
already secured the services of Mr. Holtsworth, the well 
known guide, we started for Spangler's field, where the 
reserve artillery went in park in the morning of the 2d of 
July, 1863. Arriving at the house we dismissed our carriage 
and proceeded on foot to find the field and the spot of our 
stay there; then followed the way we went to Trostle's 
field, all of which we identified. 

After stopping at the house and rear of the field, we sepa- 
rately went up to the cross road, selecting the position of our 
several guns, there being four represented. Our positions 
corresponded very well. We were well satisfied that we 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTEKV. 209 

were on the right spot. We had a lunch sent out from town, 
and bivouacked at the foot of Little Round Top, and enjoyed 
our dinner. After spending some time in surveying the field 
and fixing a spot for our monument, we returned to our hotel. 

In the evening we met the officers of The Gettysburg 
Battlefield Association, and heard their plans, rules, and 
results they had achieved. We were promised a piece of 
land twenty by forty feet on the road as a monument site, 
they to fence it and care for it forever. 

The committee decided to obtain a shaft of Ouincy granite, 
and a general design was suggested by Maj. Bigelow, C. W. 
Reed and J. K. Norwood, which was finally adopted. The 
design was elaborated by C. W. Reed, a well known artist of 
Boston, and early in the spring of 1885, a contract was made 
with Boston Marble and Granite Company of Worcester, for 
a main shaft nine feet high, three by four feet square at base ; 
one side worked as shown. Also an ammunition chest for 
the rear of Trostle's field, and stone with an ammunition 
haversack cut on it to be put on Cemetery Hill. These were 
all erected in October, 1885, and on the 19th of October a 
party of our comrades went out with the excursion of Massa- 
chusetts Veterans of about 175 gentlemen and ladies, repre- 
senting about thirty-five organizations, and a large number of 
monuments were dedicated and turned over to the Governor 
of Massachusetts, through his chief of staff, and by him to 
the Battlefield committee. Our organization was represented 
by Maj. Bigelow of Philadelphia, Comrades Reed, Norwood, 
C. H. Hall and wife of Manchester, John Stowe, Saco, Me., 
J. II. Sullivan and L. W. Baker. 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTEKV. 



21 I 



The location of large shaft is in Trostle's field, at the spot 
where the left gun was in position beside the road ; the 
ammunition chest is beside the gateway leading into the field, 




on a large bowlder ; the tablet representing a haversack, is 
on Cemetery Hill, where two guns of the battery were the 
third and fourth day. 

A visit to Gettysburg well repays all who were in the 
engagement, and all students of the history of the great 
Rebellion. 

As a fitting close of the excursion, the graves of the 
Massachusetts soldiers were decorated with flowers in the 
afternoon of the last day. Our only comrades buried there, 



212 



HISTORY OF THE 



whose graves are marked, are John Crosson and Arthur 
Murphy. 

ADDRESS OF MAJ. BIGELOW AT DEDICATION OF 
MONUMENT. 

Comrades: — A score of years have passed since you were 
soldiers ; the echoes and passions of war have died away ; there 
are no "Yanks," no "Johnnies," but the charm of your soldier-life, 
its bonds of friendship and its glorious memories, still linger. 




With depleted ranks you have met today to dedicate three 
monuments erected to mark the different positions where the 9th 
Massachusetts Battery, to which you belonged, did heavy fighting 
and rendered efficient service on this historic field of Gettysburg. 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 213 

This massive granite bowlder, bearing the coat-of-arms of Massa- 
chusetts, and a table of your casualties, marks your first position. 

An "ammunition haversack'" your third. 

On this spot, near the famous Peach Orchard and on the cross 
road leading from the Emmittsburg road to Little Round Top, 
which you have marked as your first position, you received your 
"baptism of fire." 

Here you galloped forward " into battery" under the converging 
fire of eighteen Confederate guns. Before you could " open," 
Crosson was killed, and the gallant Erickson was severely wounded. 

Amid the zip of bullets, the whiz of shot, and the explosion of 
shells, you maintained the steadiness of veterans. Your gunners 
aimed with coolness and accuracy, and you soon succeeded in 
silencing the fire of your opponents, exploding several of their 
limbers. Hardly had you accomplished this work before Ker- 
shaw's and Semmes' Confederate brigades appeared on your 
immediate right front, extending from the Peach Orchard parallel 
with the Emmittsburg road to and around Rose's house. These 
you shelled heavily. One of your shots, it is said, killed Gen. 
Semmes, and over one hundred dead bodies left around the Rose 
buildings again attested the accuracy of your fire. Nothing 
daunted, however, the Confederate line charged across your front 
toward Little Round Top on your left. Then, with an enfilading 
fire and easy range, your double-shotted canister tore through 
their ranks with terrible effect, until, apparently a mob, they 
disappeared behind yonder woods. They recognized the attentions 
you had paid them by immediately sending up against your left 
front a body of sharpshooters, that followed you as long as a man 
or a horse remained serviceable. 

At this time Col. McGilvery rode up and ordered the battery to 
be withdrawn, as Sickles' line at the Peach Orchard had been 
broken, all of his artillery and infantry had been driven back, and 
you were left alone on the field. Your position at that moment 
was indeed critical. If you stopped firing, Kershaw's sharpshooters 
would quickly empty every saddle • while only two hundred yards 
on your right, extending to your right and rear, as far as one could 



214 HISTORY OF THE 

see, was Barksdale's Confederate brigade, flushed with the victory 
which their stubborn fighting had won at the Peach Orchard, and 
preparing to cut you off. You could not " limber up," but, con- 
necting the trail of your guns to your limbers, with a rope or 
prolonge, in order to keep your alignment correct, with a slow, 
sullen fire you allowed the recoil to withdraw your guns, keeping 
the sharpshooters back with canister, and ricochetting solid shot 
through the ranks of Barksdale's men. Thus, one thousand yards 
in advance of our own lines, without infantry support or a single 
friendly shot from any of our batteries, with the enemy advancing 
on our front and flank, "by prolonge" you "retired firing" for 
nearly four hundred yards, until you reached your second position, 
which you have marked with a monument at the angle of the stone 
wall which borders this field near Trostle's house. 

It was now six o'clock in the afternoon. So well had you kept 
the enemy in check, that you might have withdrawn through the 
narrow gateway in the wall and reached our lines, but Col. 
McGilvery again came up. He said, except the defence you were 
making, our lines were entirely open (left by Sickles' Corps) from 
the foot of Little Round Top to the left of the 2d Corps 
(Hancock), and he ordered that, at all hazards, you should continue 
to hold the position you were in, until he could establish a line of 
artillery behind you. 

What a position then was yours for a light battery ! Your retreat 
under fire was cut off by the stone wall ; your flanks were exposed 
(for not an infantryman was near you), and a swell of the ground 
in your front allowed Barksdale's advancing line to approach 
within fifty yards. You had already been fighting steadily for two 
hours and a half, most of the time at close quarters, and had 
suffered heavy losses. Though delay meant that your sacrifice 
must be complete, you promptly obeyed the order to " Halt, double 
shot with canister and lay the contents of your limber chests by 
your guns for quick work." 

Scarcely were you prepared before the enemy appeared above 
the swell in your front, and again you were actively engaged, firing 
canister and cutting the fuses of your case shot and shell so that 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 21$ 

they would explode near the muzzle of your guns. The enemy 
kept re-forming and charging, but each time your heavy fire 
repelled them. 

The left section, under Lieut. Milton, by its recoil became entan- 
gled among some large bowlders and was ordered to be taken out. 

As soon as the fire of Milton's guns ceased, Kershaw's sharp- 
shooters, being unchecked, quickly came up on your left and 
poured in a murderous fire. At the same time Barksdale's men 
(21st Mississippi) came in on your right flank, until finally the very 
unusual spectacle was witnessed of the enemy standing on your 
limber chests shooting down the cannoneers who were still serving 
their guns against those in their front, who continued to rally and 
charge. 

Such fighting could not last long. Thus surrounded, men and 
horses were soon shot down and you were finally overcome, but not 
until the purpose of your sacrifice had been accomplished. 

At 6.30 o'clock, P.M., just as your firing ceased, Col. McGilvery 
had his second line of artillery ready. This opened heavily and 
prevented, for three quarters of an hour, the further advance of the 
enemy at this point of the field. Only at 7.15 o'clock, P.M., were 
Willard's and a part of Lockwood's brigades brought up, and the 
long gap in our lines, to which McGilvery referred, filled with 
infantry. Well may you be proud of those three hours' fighting. 

You expended over three tons of shot and shell, including 
ninety-two rounds of canister. 

You lost, killed and disabled, eighty of eighty-eight horses taken 
into action. 

You lost three of your four commissioned officers present ; two, 
Erickson and Whitaker, being killed. 

You lost six of the seven sergeants on the field ; Dodge and 
Fenton being killed, and Reed, Baker, Murray and Hirst wounded. 
Privates Lipman, Nutting, Fen, Gillson, Crosson, Murphy and 
Packard were killed, and Gunner Hesse, Privates Norwood, 
Barnard, McCarty, Fisher, McDavitt, Langlier, Downing, Cate, 
Stowe, Noyes and Brett were wounded, while Dawes and Tobey 
were taken prisoners. 



2l6 HISTORY OF THE 

The statistics of the War Department show, I am told, that with 
the single exception of a batter)' which was captured by a sudden 
charge at the battle of Iuka, you sustained heavier losses in this 
engagement than any other light battery suffered in a single 
engagement during the whole war. 

At the last, when surrounded by the enemy, you were ordered to 
cease firing and get back to our lines as best you could, your few 
survivors had to fight their way with hand-spikes and sponge-staffs. 

Private Ligal, you will remember, with his rammer-head brained 
a Confederate who tried to capture him. 

The four guns, which after this long struggle had finally lost all 
of their officers, men and horses, were retaken the same evening, 
returned to you the next day, and afterwards did good service at 
Kelly's Ford, Culpepper, Mine Run, Spottsylvania, North Anna, 
Tolopotomy, Bethesda Church, Petersburg, Weldon Railroad, 
Hatcher's Run, and in many minor engagements, never again 
leaving your possession until the close of the war. 

Undismayed by your fearful losses of July 2, on the morning of 
July 3, the guns which Lieut. Milton had brought off from the field 
were placed in fighting trim. When a call came for assistance in 
repelling Pickett's charge, you cheerfully responded, and under 
Milton's command rendered good service on the right centre of our 
line, at Zeigler's Grove, which is the position of your third monu- 
ment. 

Comrades, your services on this field were so important that 
they are imperishably a part of the history of the battle of Gettys- 
burg. The reputation for reliability and steadiness which you 
gained here, you afterwards many times confirmed. There was the 
action of Jericho Ford, the hot Bee Hive at Bethesda Church, 
Petersburg, where you followed Gen. Chamberlain's (of Maine) 
gallant charge, dropped your guns " in battery " within two hundred 
yards of the Confederate entrenchments, and although the infantry 
were forced back by the fire of a masked battery, and you were for 
the second time during your military service left alone on the field, 
you stubbornly held your advanced position until the night fell, 
when you were relieved. There was the wild gallop across an 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 2\J 

open field under the fire of an hundred Confederate guns to relieve 
a battery in Fort Rice, and there was the battle of the Weldon 
Railroad, where after firing to the front for awhile, you were 
obliged to reverse your guns and fire on the enemy who had gotten 
around to your rear. 

But I must stop these reminiscences. Yours is a spirited, 
glorious record, and it is my proudest recollection to have been 
with you. And I will close my remarks with an extract from a 
letter written by Gen. Hunt, chief of artillery of the Army of the 
Potomac, to Capt. Milton at the time of your discharge. He says : 
" Amongst the organizations serving under me, the 9th Massachu- 
setts will be associated in my mind with some of the hardest 
service of the army. Upon first joining, under Capt. Bigelow, it 
went immediately into battle at Gettysburg, and bore a distinguished 
part, as the reports, and its list of killed and wounded, headed by 
the gallant Erickson, will prove. Its subsequent history is not less 
glorious, and the history of the campaigns and the battles of the 
Army of the Potomac will be incomplete which does not mention 
with honor, amongst other batteries which rendered distinguished 
services, the 9th Massachusetts Independent. The record of its 
battles is made, and not less honorable is its reputation for 
discipline, instruction, good conduct and the deportment of its men 
and officers, under both Bigelow and yourself." 



14 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 219 

LIEUT. CHRISTOPHER ERICKSON. 
KILLED JULY 2, 1863. 

Christopher Erickson was born in Norway, in the 

year 1835, and came to this country in 1854, at the 
age of nineteen. Having a taste for military, joined a com- 
pany of artillery in the State militia as private, and was 
helped in the commencement of his service by the discipline 
and drill in the company. He was engaged in the furniture 
business when the war broke out. During the dark days of 
'62, he enlisted in the 9th Mass. Battery, was mustered as 
senior first lieutenant. He took his share of the labors of 
organizing, and attended to the detail drill in the early days 
of the organization. He was particularly at home at drill in 
the field ; of nervous temperament, he was quick to execute 
orders and lead his section. The horse he rode partook of 
some of its rider's nervous energy. Riding with short stir- 
rups, and foot well entered, sitting light, leaning forward, he 
was the personification of a Centaur, and horse and man 
seemed to be never tired. 

Lieut. Erickson was a man of high moral character, and 
his religious life was bright ; others felt its warming influence. 
He sought to have the Sabbath recognized in the command, 
and as we had no chaplain, he often led in religious service 
when in camp. His Bible was his pocket companion, and 
the much worn volume his son prizes as well. 

On our going into the defences of Washington, November 
21 and 22, the right section was ordered from Fort Ramsay 



220 HISTORY OF THE 

to Fort Buffalo, one half mile beyond ; here he remained in 
command of this outpost till January 26. When Capt. 
DeVecchi resigned, he assumed command of the Battery. 
He encountered some difficulties ; for five weeks he did not 
know what was in the future : whether the command was to 
be filled by promotion or from outside the Battery. He took 
no extra measures to secure the captaincy himself, but 
exerted himself to keep the men and teams in good condition. 
The 15th of February he was told by some of the men that if 
he would prepare a petition to Gov. Andrew for the promo- 
tion, the men would sign it, and all but three signed one for 
that purpose. 

March 1, he turned the Battery over to Capt. Bigelow in 
better shape, both as to discipline and health, than he found 
it. 

He seconded Capt. Bigelow heartily in all his efforts to 
improve the Battery and fit it for the field. 

Nothing of note occurred until July 2. I remember seeing 
him but once on that day ; when we halted in the field near 
Trostle's house, I saw him ask Capt. Bigelow's permission to 
go to the line of battle. Both he and Lieut. Milton rode up 
to it, but were gone but a few minutes. As we filed through 
the gateway he led the first piece, and in the " Forward into 
line" he led the section straight up the slope, and put his 
guns in position under a shower of case shot and shell. 

Capt. Bigelow writes as follows : " Lieut. Erickson was 
first struck in the chest by a piece of spherical case, shortly 
after Crosson was killed, and not long after the Battery began 
firing in its first position. After be was hit, he either came 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 221 

or sent word to me ; I think I saw him. I ordered him to 
go to the rear and have his wound attended to, which he did ; 
at least he went back towards Trostle's house, but did not 
remain long. We were so far in advance of our lines, he 
probably could not find a hospital. Anyway, he returned 
and sent word to me that he would again take charge of his 
section. Supposing his wound to be less serious than at first 
anticipated, I was glad to again have his assistance, and 
replied, ' It is all right.' I did not meet him again. While 
we were retiring by prolonge the officers were attending to 
the service of their sections ; I was clearing the way and 
looking after a multitude of details requiring attention." 

R. L. Willis says : " I saw him after he was hit in the 
body. Bloody froth was in his breath ; he asked me for 
water, and drank nearly a canteen full." 

He retired with his section, by prolonge to the rear of the 
field ; both his sergeants were wounded, five men killed, two 
more wounded; nearly all his horses killed or wounded. 
His section completely disabled, he saw one of Lieut. Whita- 
ker's guns up the slope, not having retired so far as the 
others. He dashed up the slope nearly into the advancing 
line of Kershaw's skirmishers. 

J. K. Norwood says : " Blaisdell and I were trying to 
limber up the gun when Lieut. Erickson rode up and asked 
if he could help us. Just then a bullet crashed through his 
head, and he fell dead, his horse going into the lines of 
Barksdale's Division." 

When his body was found, it was robbed of everything but 
underclothing. 



222 HISTORY OF THE 

The first shock of battle to any organization which loses 
heavily, tends to deaden our feeling of personal loss, and it is 
some time before it comes home to us in its reality; then the 
changing scenes and the bustle of active operations do not 
give time to dwell on our losses. Every man in the Battery 
lost some friend, or some one with whom we came in contact 
more or less, and our griefs are divided as well as shared by 
many. 

Lieut. Erickson was a true friend to all the men, and his 
influence was always for good, and every man mourned his 
loss. Capt. Bigelow sent for his body, which lies buried in 
Salem. 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 223 

LIEUT. ALEXANDER H. WHITAKER. 
WOUNDED JULY 2; DIED JULY 23, 1863. 

Lieut. Alexander Howland Whitaker was born in Boston, 
November 21, 1841. He was educated in Boston's Grammar 
and High Schools, and at the close of his school life chose 
the mercantile profession and entered the employ of Iasigi, 
Goddard & Co., who were in the Mediterranean trade. His 
aptness as a scholar, and his connection with them, gave him 
a practical knowledge of French that was of use to hirn in 
his after connection with Capt. DeVecchi. 

When the war broke out, he was not of age ; he made an 
attempt to enter the service for nine months, but was 
unsuccessful. In 1862, under the call for 200,000 men, he 
was aided in procuring a commission under Capt. DeVecchi, 
in the 9th Mass. Battery. He at once entered upon the 
duties of recruiting, and by his business tact, aided very 
much in early completing the enlistments. His even tem- 
perament was of great value to the Battery in its early days, 
as Capt. DeVecchi was very impulsive, and Lieut. Whitaker's 
cool head restrained him many times. 

He was mustered as first lieutenant, and on the completion 
of the organization, commanded the left section. His thor- 
ough business education enabled him to understand the 
importance of the system called in burlesque "red tape," also 
routine of army regulations, and saved both Capt. DeVecchi, 
when he resigned, and Capt. Bigelow, when he assumed 
command, much trouble. His requirements were reasonable, 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 225 

and he required prompt obedience to all rules ; he bad 
entered the service for business, and sought to make himself 
and men most efficient for that service. Mis even, everyday 
life did not make many incidents of note; a few that the 

writer knows are recorded. 

In June, [863, at Centerville, there was some long-continued 
punishment of a man in his section that was making some 
annoyance. A non-commissioned officer, in whose gun detach- 
ment the man belonged, went to the Captain and interceded 
for the man, and pledged himself for his good behavior. 
Lieut. Whitaker reprimanded the officer because he did not 
come to him first (as he should have done), and on his 
acknowledging the mistake, he entered heartily into the 
guarantee, and both Lieut. Whitaker and the sergeant were 
pledged in the special order of release that was read at dress 
parade. In a few days the battle of Gettysburg was fought, 
and the man was faithful at his post. 

I saw much of Lieut. Whitaker during the march to 
Gettysburg, and his part of the command being the rear of 
the column, had much harder work to keep their place and 
closed up, but he brought them up in good condition, losing 
only one man who was sick when we stalled. 

About 4 P.M., July 2, as we were going to the front, we 
were halted in a field near Trostle's house, and doubled up. 
The roar of battle was increasing in our front. Lieuts. 
Erickson and Milton asked ('apt. Bigelow if they might ride 
to the front to the line of battle. Capt. Bigelow, bowing 
assent, turned to Lieut. Whitaker, who sat beside him, and 
said, " I think they will see enough before nisrht." 



226 HISTORY OF THE 

Soon the order came, " Forward," and we filed into the 
field, and he led his section into a position that was swept by 
the enemy's artillery. One of his sergeants was wounded at 
first, and was told by Lieut. Whitaker to go and take care of 
himself ; but he chose to remain, as he was not disabled, and 
fight his gun. 

Lieut. Whitaker directed the firing coolly, and with good 
effect. During the shelling of Rose's buildings to dislodge 
the skirmishers, he thought the shells were not bursting- 
quick enough, and ordered the fuse cut to one and one half 
seconds. One of the gunners answered, " It will burst before 
it is half way there," but it was cut as ordered, and the effect 
satisfied him that the gunner of the sixth gun knew his 
business ; and soon after, when the sixth sergeant was hit the 
second time and disabled, the gun still held its place in line, 
and sent its share of case shot and shell into the enemy's 
ranks. 

At about this time, he had lost both sergeants, one gunner, 
two men, and several horses, and as the Battery retired by 
prolonge to the rear of the field, his right flank was attacked 
by the 21st Mississippi Regiment. His right gun lost all its 
horses and had to be abandoned ; the next gun was over- 
turned near the gateway, where our monument of an ammu- 
nition chest is now standing, and according to a letter written 
July 30, 1863, by F. C. Tucker, gunner of the sixth gun, 
"at about this time Lieut. Whitaker was wounded." 

Capt. Bigelow writes as follows : " While I was being taken 
to the rear, Lieut. Whitaker rode up to me, said he was 
wounded in the knee, and offered me his whisky flask. I 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 227 

took three small swallows (all that I took in the service), 
which strengthened me very much. 1 told him to remain 
with me, and we would look out for each other. The Con- 
federates were shelling the road along which we were passing, 
and I could lie moved only at a snail's -ait ; he probably got 
nervous and allowed his horse to trot. I thought it was too 
had to stop him, and he disappeared. The next clay, 3d, 
riding on a small mule led by Barry, I was, under the heavy 
shelling, visiting, as best I could, the different hospitals 
trying to find him, hut failed to do so." 

Up to the time of Wednesday, Jul}' 8, we do not know 
about him ; hut the 9th, one of his wounded sergeants, heard 
of a 9th Battery officer in a hospital near by at Baltimore. 
He found him badly wounded in the knee and very feverish ; 
his servant was there with him, and at his request, I sought 
and found a brother Mason and sent to him. Soon the train 
was read\- and I journeyed on to hospital at Newark. 

His brother writes me as follows: "What follows up to 
Gettysburg, of course you know better than I. Wounded 
then, I did not hear from him for nearly a week, when he 
telegraphed to me from West's Hospital, Baltimore, where I 
found him wounded in the knee. I brought him home as 
soon as possible, hut he lived only one day after his return, 
dying on the 23d of July, [863." He was buried at Forest 
Hill Cemetery. 

Capt. Bigelow writes: "Lieut. Whitaker was taken from 
Baltimore in a special tug by the inland route to Boston. 
When he arrived, Dr. Bigelow was sent for, and said an 
amputation would he necessary. He made several incisions, 



228 HISTORY OF THE 

but found that the suppuration had worked up into his body, 
and his life could not be saved. It seems that an examina- 
tion had not been properly made, or it would have been found 
that the knee joint had been shattered ; besides, because it 
was more comfortable, the surgeons had allowed the limb to 
be swung up. Whe'n I got back, I was called upon to make a 
report about the officers lost, and said, ' Whitaker died from 
bad treatment at the hands of army surgeons.' This caused, 
of course, a great breeze, and considerable correspondence 
ensued, but without result. Probably the active campaign, 
and perhaps the loss of some papers was the cause." 
This correspondence was about September 26, 1863. 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 229 

SERGT. CHARLES E. DODGE. 
KILLED JULY 2, 1863. 

Sergeant Charles E. Dodge was born in Bridgeton, Me., in 
[837. He passed his childhood and youth much as others in 
a country town, improving his school terms of probably about 
eighteen weeks a year to the best advantage, and in [856, at 

the age of nineteen, came to Boston, where he was clerk in a 
grocery store for some time. But, feeling that this business 
was not for him, he went to Virginia and engaged in Lumber- 
ing operations, and the year [86l found him there, a Union 
man in a secession State. His known character and loyalty 
to the Union could not be endured by the secession element, 
and he fled for his life, escaping on an oyster vessel. He 
soon arrived home in Boston. Feeling that Ids country 
needed his services, enlisted in the 9th Mass. Battery, and at 
once entered upon the duties and education necessary to 
make him an efficient soldier. He was from the first more 
intimate with Lieut. Erickson than others, and the friendship 
continued through their lives, both being men of principle 
and high character. 

At the organization of the Battery, he was appointed 
sergeant, and assigned to the second gun from the right in 
the first section, that of Erickson. lie at once had the 
confidence of the men under him. He diligently set to work 
to fit himself and them for their several duties, and his 
detachment was always well drilled and well taken care of. 
He was not of a fiery, dashing nature; he did not anticipate 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 23 I 

orders, but was prompt to execute. He was a good rider, 
and on the drill ground always led his detachment. I well 
remember at Upton's Hill, on drill, his horse turned the 

guard of the curb bit upon Ins nose, and ran across the hold, 
unmanageable; he coolly kept his seat and gave him the rein 
till it turned back, when he brought him under control and 
resumed his place. 

He had full sympathy with any one sick, or homesick; in 
sorrow or trouble of any kind. Kind words had he forthose, 
when others jeered. I )l kindly nature, trusted and respected 
by all, and loved by many. During the dark days at Upton's 
Hill, he was one of the sergeants to be relied on, and punish- 
ments were rare in his detachment. 

During the battle at Gettysburg, his was the fourth gun 
from the right, and was well served, keeping its place in line 
despite his losses, and retiring by prolonge with the Battery 
in the face of Kershaw's skirmishers. lie lost all his horses 
by the charge of Humphrey's 21st Mississippi, and was shot 
at the same time, between 6 and 7 P.M., July 2, 1863. 

His remains were brought home and were buried under 
arms in Bridgeton, where a neat marble tablet marks his 
resting place, where 

" No braying horns or screaming fifes 
At morn shall wake him more." 

It bears the Massachusetts coat-of-arms, a piece of artillery, 
stand of cannon balls, and is a fitting tribute to his memory. 

In losing him the Hatter)- lost one of its most promising 
warrant officers. 



232 



HISTORY OF THE 



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NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 233 

This company was recruited chiefly at Camp Meigs, Readville, 
though for a portion of the time it was encamped at Camp Stanton, 
Lynnfield. It left the Commonwealth for Washington, September 
3, 1862, and arrived at that city on the 7th, when they reported to 
Gen. Casey, in command, and were ordered to Camp Seymour on 
Capitol Hill, D. C. My report of last year brought the narrative 
of the Battery up to November 18, 1862. The following is its 
record from that date to December 13, 1863, at which time it was 
at Brandy Station, Virginia. 

November 19, 1862. Moved from Camp Barry, Bladensburg 
toll gate, to Hall's Hill, Va. 20th. Right section, under command 
of Lieut. Erickson, moved to Fort Ramsay, Upton's Hill, Va. 
21st. Remainder of the Battery moved to Fort Ramsay, and the 
right section was ordered to Fort Buffalo, one mile from Fort 
Ramsay. 

December 28. Moved in the night to Annandale ; remained in 
battery until the evening of the 29th, when it returned to Fort 
Ramsay. 

The Battery has been engaged with the enemy during the late 
campaigns only at the battle of Gettysburg. On the afternoon 
of the 2d of July it assisted in supporting the 3d Corps, Gen. 
Sickles commanding. When the Corps was obliged to fall back, 
the Battery was the last of five batteries to leave its position, and 
retired 400 yards, firing by prolonge at a Rebel brigade advancing 
on its right front, and skirmishers on its front. Arriving at a point 
where two stone walls met at an obtuse angle, it was ordered to 
halt and hold the position at all hazards, until a new line of 
batteries could be placed covering the point. While doing so, 
without infantry support, it was charged by the Rebel brigade 
before mentioned, which had secured a near approach by an 
inequality of the ground. Canister could be brought to bear only 
on the centre of the Rebel line, while its wings, comparatively 
unhurt, closed in on either flank. 

After suffering the losses enumerated in the following table, with 
fifty horses killed, the enemy firing from our limber chests, and the 
exit through the stone wall blocked up with dead animals, the 



234 



HISTORY OF THE 



command was ordered to fall back, and necessarily left four of its 
pieces on the field (horses being killed). Covered, however, by 
the efficient fire of the 5th Massachusetts Battery, Capt. Phillips, 
the guns were all afterward secured. 

July 3 and 4, the Battery, having but one of its officers and one 
of its sergeants fit for duty, was lightly engaged on Cemetery Hill, 
losing five horses. 

Number killed, wounded and missing, July 2, 1862 : 



Commissioned officers, killed, or died from wounds, 
Enlisted men, killed, or died from wounds, 
Commissioned officer, wounded, 
Enlisted men, wounded, ..... 
Enlisted men taken prisoners, since returned, 

Total, killed, wounded and prisoners, 



2 

9 

1 

x 5 
2 

29 



Until June 24, 1863, the Battery was attached to Abercrombie's 
Division, 22d Army Corps, since which time to the 1st Volunteer 
Brigade, Artillery Reserve, Army of the Potomac. 

Total killed in action or from wounds received from August 10, 
1862, to December 13, 1863 : 



Commissioned officers killed, 

Enlisted men killed, 

Commissioned officer wounded 

Enlisted men wounded, . 

Missing (but since returned) 

Died of disease, 

Discharged by order, 

Discharged for disability, 

Dropped by order, . 

Deserted, 

Resigned, 

Commissioned officers gained by appointment, 

Commissioned officers gained by promotion, 

Recruits gained, ..... 



2 

9 

1 

IS 

2 

3 

4 

17 

J 3 
6 

1 

1 

2 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY, 



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NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 237 

• After the engagement of the battle of Gettysburg, the Battery 
continued with the Army of the Potomac through all its marches 
until December 13, when it went into winter quarters with the 
artillery reserve of the army near Brandy Station, Va. 

February 14, 1864. Capt. Bigelow was placed on detached duty, 
commanding 2d Volunteer Brigade, Artillery Reserve, and Lieut. 
R. S. Milton assumed command of the Battery. Capt. Bigelow 
was relieved April 12. 

May 4. The Battery broke camp at Brandy Station, and crossed 
the Rapidan River at Ely's Ford. During the battles of the Wil- 
derness, the command was not actively engaged, but was continually 
in position, covering the reserve camp and the army trains, losing 
but one man wounded. 

May 16. It rejoined the reserve from which it was temporarily 
detached, at Aldrich's Crossroads, in anticipation of a cavalry raid 
at Fredericksburg, Va. 

May 17. Agreeable to orders from headquarters Army of the 
Potomac, the command was reduced from six to four guns, in 
common with all the light batteries of the army, and reported to 
the artillery brigade, 5th Army Corps, near Spottsylvania Court 
House, the same day. 

May 18. Was in position near the Anderson House. 

May 19 and 20. Occupied works before Spottsylvania Court 
House, but did not, however, engage the enemy. 

May 21. Was withdrawn from position and crossed the Matta- 
pony River near Guiness Station, the same day. 

May 22. Accompanied the 1st Division, which had the ad- 
vance of the corps, to the North Anna River. On the 23d, crossed 
the North Anna, near Jericho's Ford, and was engaged in the 
action of that place, having one corporal killed. Remained in 
position until the 25th, and recrossed on the 26th, at Quarrel's 
Ford. 

May 27. Again resumed the march, crossing the Pamunky 
River. May 28. Near Hanover Town. May 30. Crossed Tolo- 
potomy Creek, and was in the action at that place, near the cen- 
tre of the corps line. May 31. Advanced and was in position near 



238 HISTORY OF THE 

Bethesda Church. June 2. Was placed in position with Crawford's 
3d Division, on the Mechanicsville road, where it kept silent an 
enemy's battery that enfiladed our line. June 5. Was withdrawn, 
and moved to Cold Harbor during the night. June n. Started 
for Wilcox Landing, the corps covering the movement of the army 
to that place. Reached the landing June 13. Crossed the James 
River, June 16, and reached the vicinity of Petersburg, Va., (by a 
night march,) on the 17th. June 18. The Battery engaged the 
enemy near the Avery House, on the Baxter road, while the corps 
line was being advanced. At 4 P.M., followed Chamberlain's 
Brigade, 1st Division, and Hoffman's Brigade, 4th Division, on 
the charge of the corps, to within 480 yards of the enemy's inner 
line of works, and silenced a battery that had canister range 
on our lines as they continued to advance. Retained the position 
secured after the charge failed, and the line withdrew. Occupied 
it the 19th and 20th, each day being engaged with the enemy. 
On the 18th, lost a sergeant and corporal killed, and five men 
wounded. 

June 21. Was assigned to the 3d Division, 5th Corps, and on 
the 24th was placed in position in a small redoubt on the Jerusa- 
lem plank road. Did not engage the enemy from the position, as 
a heavy working detail was employed throwing up Fort Davis, 
(named after late Colonel Davis, 39th Regiment, Massachusetts 
Volunteers,) immediately in rear of the position. July 8. Had 
one man seriously wounded by spherical case. July 12. Occupied 
Fort Davis, covering the ground to the left of the plank road, and 
was not actively engaged. 

August 10. Captain Bigelow received a leave of absence on 
account of sickness, and Lieut. R. S. Milton assumed the com- 
mand. August 14. Was relieved from position at Fort Davis. 

August 18. With Crawford's Division marched to the Weldon 
Railroad. Was placed in position between the 2d and 3d Divi- 
sions, and became heavily engaged at 3 o'clock, P.M., losing, 
however, only one man wounded. Strengthened the position 
during the night. On the 19th, assisted in repelling two attacks 



NIXTII MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 



'■39 



(about 10 A.M., and 4 P.M.). On the 21st, the line was heavily 
attacked, and the Battery engaged about three hours. 

Sept. 2. Accompanied 3d Division, 5th Army Corps, and 
Gregg's Cavalry, on a reconnoissance toward the South Side Rail- 
road. September 3. Was placed in position in Fort Duchesne. 

September 30 and October 1. Accompanied the corps to 
Preble's Farm, but was not engaged, as the nature of the ground 
prevented the use of artillery. October 2. Returned to Fort 
Duchesne. October 6. Relieved the nth Massachusetts Bat- 
tery, Capt. Jones, at Fort Howard. 

October 27. Accompanied 3d Division to Hatcher's Run, and 
was in position at Armstrong's Mill, covering the withdrawal of the 
2d Corps across the run. October 28. Returned to camp near 
the Yellow House, Weldon Railroad. 

December 2. Was assigned to Avers 2d Division, 5th Army 
Corps. December 7. Moved with the division to Nottowav 
River. December 8. Crossed the river and marched, via Sussex 
Court House and Coman's Well, to Chambliss Farm. December 
9. Moved to Hicksford's Ford, the division being engaged in 
destroying the railroad. December 10. Returned to Sussex Court 
House. December 11. Re-crossed the Nottoway River. Decem- 
ber 12. Returned to near the Yellow House, Weldon Railroad, 
and reported to artillery brigade, where Capt. Bigelow resumed 
command. December 18. Commenced building winter quarters 
near the Red House, and, December 19, was placed in position 
in Fort Rice. 

In conclusion, the Mattery which was reduced to four guns, May 
17, was again increased to six, October 2S. Notwithstanding the 
severity of the campaign during the past season, in all of which the 
command has been a sharer, it has continued uniformly healthy, 
losing none by disease. The recruits, of whom a large number have 
been received, are generally well fitted for the duties required of 
them as artillerists. The command has ever rendered cheerful 
obedience to its officers, and it is hoped its record will receive the 
approval of the commander-in-chief. 



240 



HISTORY OF THE 







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NINTH M \.SSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 24I 

The 9th Battery took part in the following engagements previous 
to Dec. 13, 1864 : — 

Gettysburg, Mine Run, Spottsvlvania, North Anna, Tolopotomy, 
Bethesda Church, Petersburg, Weldon Railroad, Hatcher's Run. 

My last annual report brought the history of the Battery to 
December 13, 1864. The following is what followed to the date of 
discharge : — 

December 13, 1864. The Battery, upon its return from the raid 
of the 5th Army Corps, which it accompanied to the Weldon Rail- 
road, was ordered into winter quarters near the Red House to 
which place it moved December 19, and same day the pieces were 
ordered into position at Fort Rice, on the 9th Corps line, in front of 
Petersburg. December 22. While here, Capt. John Bigelow, then 
commanding the Battery, was promoted to the brevet rank of major 
for meritorious service in the battles before Yorktown, Fredericks- 
burg, and Gettysburg, and the engagements attending the advance 
of the Army of the Potomac, from Brandy Station to Petersburg. 

December 25. Second Lieut. George H. Prescott was dis- 
charged on account of sickness, and under the same order, (Special 
Orders, No. 450, A. G. O.,) Brevet Major John Bigelow. was honor- 
ably discharged at his own request, his health not admitting of his 
remaining in the service without the danger of permanent dis- 
ability. He gave up the command of the Battery December 
30, and all connection with the same the following day. The 
resignation of Brevet Major Bigelow occasioned a loss to the ser- 
vice of an experienced and zealous officer, while the members of 
the Battery experienced the withdrawal of a kind and humane 
commander. The Battery was withdrawn from position in Fort 
Rice, December 25, and moved to the camp of the caissons then 
in permanent winter quarters. 

January 1, 1865. First Lieut. R. S. Milton was promoted to 
captain, vice John Bigelow, honorably discharged, nth. First 
Sergt. George Murray discharged to enable him to accept of pro- 
motion to second lieutenant, vice George H. Prescott, dis- 
charged; the same to date from January 7. 16th. Second Lieut. 
James W. Reed, Jr., honorably discharged. 22d. The Battery 



242 HISTORY OF THE 

moved into position in Fort Rice. 27th. George Booth appointed 
from civil life, as second lieutenant, vice J. VY. Reed, Jr., dis- 
charged. Second Lieut. George Murray discharged to enable him 
to accept of promotion as first lieutenant, vice R. S. Milton, 
promoted. George Booth appointed from civil life, mustered as 
second lieutenant, vice Murray, promoted. 

February 4. The Battery was relieved from position in Fort 
Rice, and the following day, under command of Lieut. George 
W. Foster, accompanied the 5th Army Corps to Hatcher's Run. 
While there, they were not actively engaged, although the contin- 
ued severe inclemency of the weather made the raids an arduous 
undertaking. It returned from Hatcher's Run, February 10. 23d. 
A portion of Battery A, 1st Volunteer Light Artillery, (Capt. 
McCartney,) reported for duty to the Battery, under instructions 
from the War Department, and the final consolidation was effected 
March 11, 1865. 

March 4. The Battery moved to Fort Rice, and remained there 
until March 27, at which time it was relieved, and reported for 
duty in the Artillery Brigade, 9th Army Corps, General Tidball 
commanding. In the final assault and surrender of Petersburg, the 
Battery was actively engaged during the 1st and 2d, and night of 
the 1 st of April, meeting with no casualties in either day's engage- 
ment. 

April 3. After turning in one section to the Ordnance Depart- 
ment, the Battery accompanied the 9th Corps to Nottoway Court 
House, where it remained about a fortnight. The Battery com- 
menced its march on the return to City Point, April 22, passing 
over the same route traversed in reaching Nottoway Court House, 
passing through Petersburg, Wellville, Ford's Station, etc., arriving 
at City Point April 23, and was immediately assigned to the 
Artillery Reserve of the Army of the Potomac, with all batteries 
not permanently assigned to corps. 27. Second Lieut. William 
Park, Jr., detailed as adjutant general of the 3d Brigade of the 
reserve, under Brevet Major Phillips. Soon after, the Battery 
moved near to Washington, preparatory to being mustered out, 
passing through Fredericksburg and Richmond. 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 243 

Under provisions of instructions from the War Department, per- 
mitting all volunteer batteries to be mustered out in their respec- 
tive States, the organization left Washington, June 1, en route for 
Massachusetts, where it arrived June 3, and immediately pro- 
ceeded to Galloup's Island, Boston Harbor, to await mustering out. 

On the arrival of the Battery at the island, owing to some slight 
disturbance between some of the men and the provost guards on 
duty there, private R. J. Isaacs was shot by the officer of the day, 
killing him instantly. The investigation of the case ruled that the 
officer was in the performance of his duty, and could not be guilty 
of murder. 

After two years and ten months' service the Battery was mustered 
out June 6, by Capt. A. R. Kroutinger, U. S. A. ; but the men were 
not finally disbanded and paid off until June 9, at which date 
they left the island. 

In closing the report, I have the honor to testify to the uniform 
good conduct, willing obedience and military bearing of the men 
composing my command, and trust that their record maybe accept- 
able and honorable to the State from which they were willing 
volunteers. 



The following is the muster roll of the Company, contain- 
ing the names <>1 all who were ever mustered in. The 
adjutant general's report gives a low more names as being 
enlisted, but they never joined the Battery. In this roll I 
have given name, rank, date of muster, place of enlistment, 
date and cause of discharge, with such notes as may complete 
their military record. 



244 



HfSTORY OF THE 



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NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 



245 



At Petersburg. 
North Anna River. 
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.APPENDIX. 



FEBRUARY 6, 1888. 

The eighteenth annual reunion of the 9th Battery Associa- 
tion met at Young's Hotel. There were present 
' ' as follows : Maj. John Bigelow, Capt. R. S. Mil- 

ton, Lieut. Wm. Park. J. K. Norwood, Nelson Lowell, E. B. 
Lord, Q. A. Merritt, David Brett, C. W. Reed, Eleazer Cole, 
J. R. Brown, S. B. Curtis, Geo. H. Ransom, J. F. Dalton, I ). I. 
Harmon, R. Holland, J. R. Stowe, J. II. Sullivan, J. F. Eaton, 
Edwin Rolitho, F. M. Shaw. A. R Smith, R. L. Willis, J. H. 
Whittemore, Thos. Murphy, 1). P. Doyle, W. H. Strong, !•'. ('. 
Smith, Albert Taylor and* L. W. Raker; total, 30. Also there 
were seven of our sons present, viz. : K. S. Norwood, W. E. 
Park, C. F. Cole, E. C. Raker, F. C. Erickson, H. S. Whitte- 
more, S. 11. Whittemore, and F. W. Filloon, a grandson of 
David Brett. The invited guests were C. C. Coffin, the war 
correspondent ami historian ; Ebenezer Alexander, half broth- 
er of Lieut. A. H. Whitaker ; Jas. H. Croft. President of the 
Gettysburg Pilgrims; I-'. B. Stuart and F. E. hark, two 
musicians, and two reporters. 



254 HISTORY OF THE 

At the business meeting, J. K. Norwood was chosen presi- 
dent, F. M. Shaw, vice president ; Wm. Park, secretary and 
treasurer ; supper committee, the president and J. H. Sulli- 
van. Wm. Park and J. H. Sullivan were made committee on 
resolutions in memory of the dead of the year, also to send 
letter to B. E. Murray who was not able to be present. 

The sons of the comrades were made associate members of 
the Association. At 6 P.M., supper was announced, and the 
well remembered assembly was blown by C. W. Reed, and 
we marched to the supper room. While standing at the 
tables, Maj. Bigelow entered, escorted by the president. He 
was received by three times three and tiger. 

At 8 o'clock, the president rapped to order, and in a short 
address, welcomed the comrades and sons and guests, and 
called on Maj. Bigelow, who said : 

Comrades, Sons of Comrades, and Friends : — 

Many years have passed since we were soldiers. We have now 
forgotten the arts of war, but not its memories. Bonds of friend- 
ship, forged on battlefields, have assembled us together this 
evening; memories and friendships which cluster around the name 
of the 9th Massachusetts Light Battery. 

Twenty-five years ago this month, I was appointed to its command. 
I found it stationed within the earthworks of Washington, and you, 
its members, untried soldiers. I left you, after nearly two years' 
service, in the earthworks before Petersburg, veterans indeed. 

The many amusing incidents, which, for the first few months, 
attended the establishment of strict discipline, and the enforcement 
of a prompt obedience to orders, you will probably recall. Recall, 
too, please, the result, viz. : the record made at Gettysburg, and on 
every other battlefield of the Army of the Potomac, until the close 
of the war. Officers have said to me that, if at Gettysburg you had 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 255 

been old soldiers, you never could have been held together for so 
long a time, so far in advance of our lines, in an open field, without 
supports, and suffering such fearful losses. I replied that you were 
always equally reliable. 

That Gettysburg was duplicated at Petersburg, where you fol- 
lowed up Gen. Chamberlain's infantry charge until within 200 
yards of the Confederate works, dropped your guns "in battery," 
and though the "charge'' was repulsed and you were again left 
alone on the field, you held your advanced position, amid a hail- 
Storm of bullets, for an hour and a half, until nightfall, when our 
infantry again advanced and you were relieved. 

You were soldiers from a patriotic sense of duty. Army food, 
camp routine, the exposure and fatigues of the march, and the 
dangers of the battlefield you bore patiently, cheerfully. You were 
more anxious about the dangers that threatened your country, than 
those which surrounded yourselves. The great majority of your 
number were New Englanders, to the manor born ; liberal in 
thought and of high moral courage. To illustrate : 

Many of you will recollect that, when I joined the Battery, I 
brought a colored servant with me, and how, within a few clays 
after reaching camp, he was prostrated with fever. At evening 
roll call volunteer nurses were asked for, when nearly every man 
offered his services. For a week the boy lay insensible, and yet 
your chosen representatives as tenderly watched over and cared 
for him as if he had been one of your own number ; they adminis- 
tered his medicines every hour, night and day ; checked all noises 
which might disturb the invalid, and finally restored him to perfect 
health. It has been truly said, " The tenderest are the bravest." 
One of those nurses who, from a sense of duty, had the moral 
courage to thus rise superior to his prejudices, at Gettysburg had 
his horse's head shot away by a cannon ball ; he freed himself, "cut 
the dead animal loose," and then coolly mounted another, which in 
turn was soon shot, as were all of the others attached to his piece. 
He then joined the only cannoneer left with the piece, unhurt, and 
remained fighting it until he himself was well nigh fatally wounded. 
That man, of such great physical and moral courage, whom 1 have 



256 HISTORY OF THE 

selected as representing you all, is your worthy president of this 
evening, and his name is John K. Norwood. 

I know too well the horrors of war to stand here as its apologist- 
Still I am sure you will agree with me, that a soldier's life, with its 
comradeship in weal and woe, with its self-sacrifices, made from a 
sense of patriotism or of duty, with its sudden changes from quiet 
and safety to that of thrilling excitement and danger, has a charm 
all its own. To the soldier the names inscribed on the battle flags, 
whether of friend or foe, mean something more than the victories 
or defeats of a fratricidal war, as sentimentalists of today would 
have us believe. They indicate fields on which all of the highest 
qualities and attributes of physical manhood have been tested, and 
not found wanting — qualities and attributes on which, in the future 
as in the past, in every great emergency, when the court of final 
appeal is reached, the safety of our homes, our liberties, our 
national honor and our country depends. 

Comrades, I am not unmindful that you have, or should have, 
present with you this evening, many members of the 1st Mass. 
Light Battery, received by transfer at the time of the expiration of 
service of their own command, early in 1865. That Battery began 
its service with the war and took an active and prominent part on 
every battlefield of the Army of the Potomac, up to and including 
Petersburg. I felt that you were highly honored, when informed 
by Capt. McCartney of the choice of transfer, which his veterans 
had made. I was with them on the Peninsula, and I saw them at 
the battle of Fredericksburg. I know their mettle, although they 
joined you after I had resigned the command. I hope they will 
always attend these reunions and feel that they are ever welcome. 

And what shall I say to you of the labor of love which Sergt. 
Baker has brought to completion and now presents to you as the 
History of the 9th Mass. Battery, illustrated by the skilful pencils 
of Reed and Holland. Within its pages you will not find experi- 
ences differing from those of any other command that saw hard 
service ; but they will be experiences that are personal and of 
special interest to yourselves and your children. The sergeant's 
labor has been one of love and not for profit. I know the pleasure 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 257 

which he has felt, when he has had occasion to give honorable 
mention to any of your names. I know the patience with which 
he has sought after facts, and I know, too, that his most satisfactory 
reward will be to feel that he has done justice to his subject and 
met your expectations. Let us extend to him our sincere congrat- 
ulations and our hearty thanks. 

Comrades, it is a long while since we have had a roll call. I need 
but to mention to you the names of the enthusiastic Erickson and 
the brave Whitaker, of Sergts. Dodge, Fenton and Dawes, of 
Corps. Lincoln and Sanderson, besides the many without "straps" 
and without "stripes," all of whom were taken from you on the 
battlefield, to awake an echoing response in every heart. 

There, too, were the much loved Milton, who succeeded me as 
your captain, the impulsive Foster, the faithful Park, the patriotic 
Booth, the energetic Murray, and First Sergt. Baker, ever thought- 
ful of your welfare. 

There was the whole line of sergeants, gunners and corporals, 
many of them bullet scarred, all good fellows and true. 

There was Reed, who communicated every order to you, from 
early morning until "taps" at night. 

There was Pearce, who looked after the correctness of your 
" details " and kept your records. 

And last of all, there were your worthy selves, always prompt to 
every call of duty; all heroes, of whose record the State of Massa- 
chusetts may well be proud. While memory fondly recalls the 
names of those for whom 

"The muffled drum's sad roll has beat 
The soldier's last tattoo,'' 

and of those, with us in spirit, who are kept away by disability or 
by distance. 

Let us congratulate ourselves that, notwithstanding the vicissi- 
tudes of twenty-five eventful years, so many of our number are 
permitted to assemble here this evening. 

Let us also extend a cordial greeting to our friends who are witli 



258 HISTORY OF THE 

To him who represents the Commonwealth in its legislative 
branches. Having been an unruly member myself, I can sympa- 
thize with him in his onerous duties. 

To him who, an old soldier now, by his energy and ability keeps 
the Globe a-rolling, gauging its speed by the popular pulse, and 

To him who, a chronicler of the war, has devoted his life work 
to his country's history, prepared for the rising generation and 
calculated to quicken in them feelings of patriotism. 

May these annual reunions long continue, and may your sons, 
whom I am glad to see present on this occasion, ever preserve 
their interest and eventually act as our successors in keeping alive 
the memories of our Battery. 

Finally, comrades, when we read the " History " which Sergt. 
Baker has prepared, let each one, whether officer or enlisted man, 
feel that he acted well his part and 

" There all the honor lies." 

At the close of the address he was presented with a beau- 
tiful water color painting by the well known artist, C. W. 
Reed, showing the final struggle in Trostle's field with part 
of Kershaw's and Barksdale's Brigades. The sketch was 
over two years in preparation, and has had the criticism and 
suuirestions of a large number of the comrades who were in 
the engagement, and is credited with being the nearest to 
the truth of anything on canvas. 

The historian, C. C. Coffin, was next introduced, who said : 

Mr. President: — My first acquaintance with the 9th Mass. Bat- 
tery was on July 2, 1863, a short time before the beginning of the 
conflict on that day at Gettysburg. You were about to go into 
position. After the battle, I learned from the lips of those who had 
survived the fiery trial, some of the circumstances and incidents of 
the conflict, and saw that from the position which you occupied 
you had rendered great service. And then, in Baltimore, at the 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 259 

Custom House, on the following Sunday morning, I learned from 
the lips of your commander, other facts in relation to the battle, 
which seemed to deepen the conviction that by your position, 
bravery, tenacity of purpose, obedience to orders, you so delayed 
the advance of the Confederates, that Trostle's dooryard became, 
as it were, the pivotal point in the action of the second clay. 

Before the opening of the engagement, I rode along the line 
adopted by Gen. Sickles, about which there has been, now is, and 
probably ever will be, a difference of opinion on the part of military 
men. I saw that the angle at the Peach Orchard invited attack ; 
that it presented two fronts ; that one and perhaps both would be 
attacked ; that one, possibly both, would be subjected to an enfilad- 
ing fire. I saw that it was a thin line ; that there were not half 
enough troops to cover it in the 3d Corps. At that moment, there 
were neither troops nor batteries between the Peach Orchard and 
your subsequent position. When the battle began, I rode to Little 
Round Top, tied my horse, gained the summit, where there was 
only one signal officer and his assistant, where I remained and 
watched the battle till the bullets began to drop around me from 
the advance of Hood's Division • till after Gen. Warren's arrival, 
and left it as Vincent's Brigade and Hazlett's Battery were advanc- 
ing upon the double quick to take possession. From that point I 
had a view of the mighty conflict. At my feet Ward's Brigade was 
having a fearful struggle. Barnes' Division of the 5th Corps was 
joining. Your own battery, the 5th under Phillips, Clarke's New 
Jersey, along the road south of Trostle's, were sending out from 
your guns a great white cloud. The Peach Orchard was all aflame. 
The Confederate batteries down beyond the house of Mr. Rose 
and on Warfield's farm, were all thundering. I could see the 
advancing Confederate brigades of Kershaw and Barksdale. 

We know that the movement of Longstreet's Corps, Hood's and 
McLaws' Divisions, was designed in the outset to strike Sickles' left 
flank, and to roll it back towards Cemetery Ridge ; that Anderson's 
Division of Hill's Corps was at the proper time to strike Hum- 
phrey's Division along the Emmittsburg road, and make the rout 
of the Union army complete. But this plan was changed by Hood, 



260 HISTORY OF THE 

who, when he advanced came in contact first with the 2d Regiment 
of sharpshooters under Stoughton, along a wall south of Mr. Rose's 
house. The sharpshooters fought with great obstinacy, and when 
at last they were pushed back, they retreated through the woods, 
directly upon Ward's Brigade, holding the rocky ridge of the 
Devil's Den at the base of Little Round Top. The Confederates, 
instead of swinging north, after passing east of Rose's house, found 
that they must first sweep Ward from his position, and Hood saw, 
as Longstreet had seen, the value of Little Round Top. I need 
not tell the story of the battle down by the Wheat Field, but it was 
so fierce and stubborn that not only Birney's Division of the 3d, 
but the whole of the 5th Corps, and Caldwell's Division of the 2d, 
were called upon to hold the line from the Wheat Field to the 
summit of Little Round Top. This call for troops in that direction, 
left not a single brigade, not even a regiment, to support you in 
your position along the road leading from the Peach Orchard 
eastward, toward Little Round Top. 

It was at this juncture that the Union troops in the Peach 
Orchard were flanked from the south by Kershaw's South Caro- 
linians, and from the west by the advance of Barksdale. Phillips', 
Clarke's, Hart's and Ames' Batteries, under the order of McGilvery, 
were sent to the rear to form a line of batteries on the ridge, while 
you were directed to hold the ground at all hazards. The infantry 
of Graham's, and the three regiments of Bueling's Brigade, in fall- 
ing back, retreated across the fields north of Trostle's, leaving a 
wide gap between the left of Brewster's Brigade of Humphrey's 
Division and the troops down by the Wheat Field — a gap which the 
9th Mass. Battery was to hold. You know the story — how Kershaw's 
sharpshooters came stealing along the wall, bounding the eastern 
side of the Wheat Field and up through the woods on the one hand, 
and Barksdale pressing you in front, and sweeping past your posi- 
tion, gaining possession of the barn and the other buildings. 

Through the activity of the 9th Battery, the quick loading and 
firing of double-shotted canister, through the tenacity of the men, 
their obedience to orders, the advance of the Confederates was 
sufficiently delayed to enable McGilvery to arrange twenty-five 



NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY. 26l 

guns on the ridge. When Kershaw advanced he was confronted 
by McGilvery's artillery fire. 

We are to keep in mind the fact that there was not a brigade, 
not a regiment, at the moment when Lieut. Milton leaped the wall 
and brought off two of the cannon, to be found to support 
McGilvery. It was a critical moment. A half hour later, Willard's 
Brigade of the 2d Corps confronted Barksdale, but it was McGil- 
verv's guns alone which prevented Kershaw from reaching the 
ridge. A little later, the 6th Corps and Stannard's Brigade of 
Vermonters, were coming upon the double quick to hold the ridge. 

We need not indulge in any speculation as to what might have 
happened ; what did happen has gone into history, and when all 
the circumstances are taken into account, it seems that in a wise 
ordering of an overruling Providence, the 9th Battery was selected 
for the accomplishment of a great end. 

On the evening of the 3d of July, after the repulse of Hill's 
troops, and the almost annihilation of Pickett's Division, I stood 
beside one of the guns of Cushing's Batter}-, where men in blue 
and men in gray were lying, as they had gone down in the terrible 
struggle. I recognized then and there that this battle was to be, 
in all probability, regarded as a great turning point in history. 
I did not believe that the Confederates would ever surpass their 
effort on that gory field. The ridge, where Cushing went down 
beside his guns, where the hand to hand conflict took place, is 
regarded as the high water mark of the Rebellion, but when we take 
all the circumstances into account, when we reflect that the Union 
army was far stronger on the third than on the second day ; that it 
was concentrated and behind breastworks ; when we reflect that 
the Confederate army was weaker on the afternoon of the third 
than on the second; that every effort of Lee to turn the right and 
left flanks had been frustrated ; we can see that the one moment 
more critical than all others was on the evening of the second day, 
when Vincent's Brigade was holding Little Round Top, and the 
9th Battery Trostle's dooryard ; that the high water mark was 
reached on the evening of the 2d ; that the remnants of Pickett's 
Brigade, drifting across Cordova's fields on the afternoon of the 3d, 
was the ebb tide of the Rebellion. 



CORRECTIONS. 

ON PAGE 14. 

Read Eleazer Cole, instead of Call. 

ON PAGE 247. 

No. 120, David I. Harmond, enlisted Aug. 4, 1862, instead 
of [863. Leave out "From 1st Mass. Battery." 

No. 121, G. F. W. Haynes, enlisted Aug. 5, [862, instead 
of [863. Leave out "From 1st Mass. Battery." 

No. 122. James A. Harvey, enlisted Aug. 7, 1862, instead 
of 1863. Leave out "From 1st Mass. Batten." 

Xo. 126, Henry C. Hall. Under " Remarks" read "Trans- 
ferred from 1st Mass. Battery." 

No. 127, Sylvester Horton. Under "Remarks" read 
"Transferred from 1st Mass. Batter}-." 

No. [28, George Hawes. Under " Remarks" read "Trans- 
ferred from [st Mass. Battery." 



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